Pre-employment medical does come at an extra cost, and sometimes this cost can startle you. While one occupational health service provider in Sydney might cost $150, another one can cost you $200 or less. If both providers claim to provide the same type of assessment, what could be the reason for the gaps?
Well, there are several factors playing in the picture, such as the type of assessment, the scope of testing, the way the service is delivered, and so on. Additionally, generic pre-employment assessments don’t work, which is why the cost of tailoring them to the specific role also adds to the cost. For example, an office administrator role might not require the same level of pre-employment medical screening as a forklift operator.
This article will help you plan and budget your upcoming pre-employment medicals by outlining the following:
- Key factors driving the cost
- Choosing between on-site vs. clinic-based assessments
- How to get an accurate quote for the pre-employment medical costs
Key Factors to Determine Pre-Employment Medical Costs
The price to be paid for pre-employment medicals is not randomly decided, nor is it a fixed figure. The only constant is the factors that shape the pricing decision, and understanding them helps you better compare the occupational health service providers.
Here are a few key factors affecting the cost of pre-employment medicals in Sydney:
- Type and Scope of the Assessment
One of the biggest factors that contributes to the assessment cost is what the assessment includes. Not all roles require an in-depth assessment or the same type of pre-employment medicals.
A basic medical history and physical examination, including vision, hearing, and overall fitness, might be enough for a front-desk person. But, for a mining worker, a full functional capacity evaluation is a must, considering the nature of the job being in a high-risk industry. This evaluation will include musculoskeletal testing, respiratory and heart health, workplace drug and alcohol testing, vision and audiometry tests, etc.
| Standard Assessments | Advanced Assessments |
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A pro tip: Don’t under-screen a high-risk role in the attempt to save a few dollars because it can cost more in the long run with increased workplace injuries and insurance claim amounts.
- Level of Urgency and Turnaround Time
The standard turnaround time to deliver a pre-employment medical assessment report is 24-48 hours, so that the hiring timeline is not delayed. For a lot of positions, especially labour-related hiring, same-day results might be required by the employers, and this comes at a premium cost from the occupational health services provider.
On the other hand, if you plan and book assessments ahead of time, it can save you the additional cost of an urgent request.
- Volume and Frequency
For employers that require regular pre-employment screenings, like labour hire companies, recruitment agencies, or large construction firms, the pricing is typically volume-based.
The occupational health services provider offers a discounted pre-assessment rate if a set number of candidates are sent for assessment each month.
- On-site vs. Clinic-Based Service
This is where the cost discussion gets interesting and challenging for employers, sometimes leading to the wrong choice. Let’s understand this factor in more detail in the subsequent section.
On-Site vs. Clinic-Based: Which Option Saves You Money?
Why on-site assessments often cost more
On-site pre-employment medicals are usually more expensive than clinic-based screenings because the occupational health services provider must travel to your workplace. This typically adds a mobilisation fee charged for travel time and on-site staff availability, equipment setup and transport, and scheduling and coordination at your site.
Let’s compare the pros and cons of on-site vs. clinic-based pre-employment screening:
| On-site Assessment | Clinic-based Assessment | ||
| Pros | Cons | Pros | Cons |
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How to Get a Quote for Pre-Employment Medical Costs?
Different occupational health services providers have different quotes, and the cheapest one might seem like the most viable option, but that’s not true in every case. Cheap pre-employment screenings might miss:
- Complete assessments
- Accurate results in the rush to complete the screening
- Occupational health expertise
- Privacy compliance
This is why you must ask for an accurate quote from the provider and not some vague guesswork. Give details like job role, industry niche, candidate strength, turnaround timeline, assessment location, and required tests to the provider and ask them these questions:
- What does the quote include?
- Are there any miscellaneous costs that I should expect as an add-on?
- How long does it take for the results to be delivered?
- Can you offer on-site pre-employment medicals if it’s for multiple candidate screening?
- Do you comply with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 requirements?
Compare quotes from 2-3 providers and then decide based on the value delivered instead of the lowest number. Before booking an occupational health services provider, know what your role requires and balance cost with quality, speed, and compliance.
Therefore, pre-employment medical costs in Sydney are not just random pricing; it’s a meticulous workout for ensuring that the investment is a win-win for the employer as well as the provider.