Investing in an occupational medicine program is a proactive way to ensure a healthier, safer, and more productive workplace. It also helps employers manage workers’ compensation cases more effectively. Partnering with a healthcare provider who understands occupational medicine and workers’ compensation can help injured employees recover faster, return to work sooner, and reduce the financial burden on employers.

At AFC, we collaborate with our providers and employer partners to find solutions that benefit both the worker and the business. One key factor that influences workers’ compensation insurance rates is the employer’s Experience Modification Rate (EMR)—also known as the Mod Factor. This rate is determined by several factors, including past claims and OSHA recordable events—such as prescription medication use, referrals to physical therapy, or the use of a rigid brace.

Unfortunately, many medical providers are unaware of how their treatment decisions impact an employer’s insurance premiums. Likewise, many employers don’t realize the financial impact of workers’ compensation premiums until costs have significantly increased. While insurance costs vary, it’s not uncommon for mid-sized businesses to pay $50,000 to $100,000 or more annually in workers’ compensation premiums.

While some OSHA recordable events are unavoidable, our approach at AFC focuses on minimizing unnecessary costs while still prioritizing quality care. We work to reduce excessive referrals, explore alternatives to prescription medications, avoid overly restrictive work limitations, and maintain open communication with employers. By taking a strategic, informed approach, we help businesses create a safer work environment while keeping costs under control.

In addition to our Workers Comp solutions, we also provide other medical services including DOT physicals, drug screening, pre-employment physicals and acute injury care and we can accommodate on-sites Drug Screens and DOT to companies who have a relatively large number of employees. 

John T. Carmack, MD, MPH



About AFC: American Family Care (www.afcurgentcare.com) is a SFCC member and healthcare provider specializing in urgent care, primary care, and occupational medicine. Founded in 1982, AFC has expanded to over 350 clinics across 29 states, serving nearly 3 million patients annually. In Fairfax County we are located in Burke at the address 9276 Old Keene Mill Road, Burke Virginia (www.afcurgentcare.com/burke). 

AFC emphasizes patient convenience by offering walk-in services without the need for appointments, extended hours, and locations designed to reduce wait times. The clinics are equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and staffed by trained medical professionals to ensure quality care.

With this approach, we can provide evidence-based injury care for the injured employee while addressing the needs of the company. Our goal is to work collaboratively with employers and at the same time helping the injured worker “feel better faster” and allowing them to stay in the workplace. 

It is simple to start a partnership with us.

Just click here to fill out the employer protocol and fax it to 571 516 3070 or email it to burketeam@afcurgentcare.com. We will open your employer account and start providing you with the best you deserve.

9276 Old Keene Mill Road Burke VA 22015 Tel: 571 516 3116; Fax 571 516 3070; www.afcurgentcare.com/burke

14087 Richmond Highway Woodbridge VA 22191 Tel 571 300 8000; Fax 571 300 8000 www.afcurgentcare.com/woodbridge