The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (commonly referred to as "BWC") oversees and administers this statewide program covering people who work in or are injured in Ohio.  BWC is a state agency. The BWC will determine whether your injury meets the legal requirements for workers’ compensation benefits and is therefore "allowed".  The essence of this requirement is that the injury is work-related.  (Usually it is clear whether this is true, but sometimes it is not clear and investigation by BWC is required.)  If your claim is allowed, BWC will pay for your medical care and also make payments to you if you qualify for wage replacement benefits.

Many injuries are quickly handled and do not really affect the person's ability to work.  Injured workers whose injuries ARE affecting their ability to stay at or return to work are assigned to a Claims Service Specialist (CSS).  The CSS will be your primary point of contact with BWC.  Note there are many other types of professionals who work within BWC.

There are many other companies that provide services as part of this system.  One you are likely to work with is a Managed Care Organization (MCO).  There are almost twenty different MCOs in Ohio.  An MCO is assigned to every injured worker.  (Actually each employer selects the MCO that all their employees will use.)  The MCO makes sure you get the medical care you need, and you probably will communicate with them during your treatment and recovery.  (See list of MCOs.)

Finding a good doctor / talking to your doctor.  If you would like help finding a doctor, or if you need to see a specialist, your MCO will be happy to help you with that.  If you have trouble understanding what your doctor is saying or are unsure what kind of doctor you need, also contact your MCO.  (See Contact Us for instructions on reaching the MCOs.)

A nurse or case manager may call you.  If your injury is going to take a while to heal, your MCO may assign a nurse or case manager to your case.  The case manager will communicate with your doctor and your employer to see if adjustments can be made so you can keep busy and safely recover on the job. And if there is any uncertainty about when you are ready to return to your usual job, the case manager may help with that process too. See “How the Process Works – What to Expect”.