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Workers' Compensation FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:

How do I file a claim?

A:

You, your physician, or attorney can file a claim with the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC) by completing an application referred to as a First Report of Injury (FROI). Your application can be mailed, faxed, or submitted online through the BWC website. The application should be signed by the physician who diagnosed the condition(s) requested in your claim.

Q:

How long does it take to receive a claim number?

A:

If you file the claim on the BWC website, you will immediately receive a claim number. Otherwise, the claim number will be assigned and mailed to you.

Q:

How long do I have to file a claim?

A:

The deadlines for filing your application vary depending on the nature of your claim. If you’re pursuing a claim with a specific date of injury or medical condition which developed over an identifiable period of time, you have one (1) year to file your claim. If you are pursuing an occupational disease claim, involving repetitive work duties, you have two (2) years. If a death claim is pursued, there is a one (1) year statute of limitation.

Q:

How long does it take for BWC to determine the status of a claim?

A:

After receiving the First Report of Injury (FROI), the BWC notifies the injured worker, employer, and their authorized representative that a claim has been filed. Within 28 days of this notice, the BWC is legally required to determine the claim.

Q:

How do my medical bills get paid?

A:

Once your claim is allowed, the medical providers and treating physicians should submit their bills for payment to the Managed Care Organization (MCO) designated in your claim. The MCO reviews the bills and then sends them electronically to the BWC, who then issues payment directly to the medical providers.

Q:

What is a managed care organization (MCO)?

A:

An MCO is a private company that manages an employer’s workers’ compensation claim. The MCO makes treatment decisions and coordinates medical care.

Q:

What benefits am I eligible to receive?

A:

In Ohio, most injured workers return to work within the first week after their injury. However, some injured workers will be out longer and require temporary benefits. If an injured worker has lost eight or more calendar days of work, temporary total benefits are usually the first form of compensation they receive. Once an injured worker returns to work, temporary total benefits will end. However, an injured worker may be eligible for other types of compensation payments which are determined on a case by case basis.

Q:

What benefits am I eligible to receive?

A:

The Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation may electronically deposit payments or send them in the mail.

Q:

How do I find a BWC certified medical provider?

A:

Call the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation at 1-800-644-6292 or go the BWC website.

Q:

What is a MEDCO-14?

A:

A MEDCO-14 is a Physician’s Report of Work Ability. Your treating doctor completes this form to certify that you are temporarily disabled or to identify any restrictions on your ability to perform your job duties due to a work injury.

Q:

What is permanent partial disability?

A:

Permanent partial disability is a form of compensation payable after a work injury. It is paid following an exam (or sometimes multiple exams) where a physician is asked to provide an opinion regarding lost bodily function resulting from an injury or occupational disease.

Q:

What are additional allowances?

A:

An injured worker may develop additional medical conditions and or diagnoses that developed from the original injury or occupational disease. Should this occur, the injured worker may request that the additional condition/diagnosis be added to the claim.