School and Work Release Evaluations

To the Editor.—  I am happy to see the issue of school and work releases brought to the attention of primary care physicians and, indeed, to all physicians. I applaud the insight and suggestions of Drs Holleman and Holleman.¹However, as a physician involved in industrial medicine, I am acutely aware that many cases of casual absenteeism will become a way of life and that physicians can play an important role in preventing the lost lives that occur through this course. Although it is true that the problems and solutions for such patients might be based elsewhere in society rather than in medicine, a physician with insight often can play a role in clarifying the problems and achieving a solution if necessary—by referral to an appropriate resource.The following guidelines, which overlap those of Drs Holleman and Holleman, might be helpful for physicians who deal with the recurrent or