[Promoting work during the sick leave period through cooperation between health insurance physician and the attending physician].

The task of the Dutch social insurance physician is to evaluate claims for disability compensation and to support clients in the process of vocational rehabilitation. Because rehabilitation outcome is associated with length of time out of work, individual rehabilitation plans should be designed at an early stage. Of vital importance in the design of such plans are the client's remaining working capacities. Earlier assessment of functional capacity could be stimulated by more reciprocal consultation and closer collaboration between social insurance and treating physicians. When complete rehabilitation is not yet possible, working shorter hours, if necessary in a different job, could be an initial solution. As a result the client keeps in touch with the working environment and also a clearer picture is provided of what he or she is still capable of doing. Besides, the influx into the disability law system, which automatically follows if the non-working period exceeds 1 year, with its serious financial, social and emotional effects for the client, may be reduced.