The decision process is partly conscious and partly unconscious, but rarely simple. If deciding whether to stay home sick for a day seems complicated, consider the disabled person's situation. His or her life has been turned upside down. Personal relationships with family and co-workers are changed. The stresses of reduced income, forced inactivity, dependence on care- providers, and fears about the future conspire to complicate the return to work process.
Employers shoot themselves in the foot when they underestimate the complexity of disability.
But it's not true. Concentration on medical treatment or any single aspect is likely to be frustrating. For example, in problem cases, heroic efforts may be made to find the 'right' medical specialist to give the 'right' diagnosis. But the real problem may be a workplace argument or a marriage that's breaking up. But stereotypes are a convenience you can't afford if you're serious about helping disabled workers return to work.