Another woman saw a doctor when she twisted her ankle on the job and told the doctor in confidence that she had previously undergone a double mastectomy. Even though that had nothing to do with her ankle injury, it ended up on her medical report and worker's compensation claim. Whether it's common for employers to review their workers' medical records or it's more of a fear than a reality is debatable. You just need a few anecdotes to fuel public fear. But a University of Illinois study in 1996 found that 35 percent of 84 Fortune 500 companies surveyed accessed medical records to make employment decisions.
Businesses can legitimately review employees' medical records only if it's job-related.
Pilots are usually required to take psychological exams. Police officers are often required to have physicals. Truck drivers may have to take vision tests. Peace Corp volunteers usually must undergo physical exams as well. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, however, employers can't require just one worker to get a medical exam without requiring all other employees to do so as well.