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From the desk of
Brad Lewis, M.D.,
Chief Medical Officer
Free, virtual symposium with continuing education
It’s not too late! You and your staff may still register for our Medical & Health Symposium Thursday, April 7 – Saturday, April 9.
Here is why you should not miss it.
- Watch a live orthopedic surgery Friday, April 8, accompanied by an informative presentation on knee and shoulder injuries, followed by Amberley Snyder from the Netflix original movie, “Walk. Ride. Rodeo.,” telling her personal story of recovery. She doesn’t let the challenges she faces define her; they refine her.
- Listen to national and state experts address today’s issues such as COVID-19, Pharmacogenetics and Opioid Use Disorder, Alternatives to Pain Management, Optimizing Return-to-Work, the Aging Eye, and Breaking the Web of Needless Disability to name a few.
- Because laughter is good medicine, motivational humorist Kay Frances will end the symposium with a session on “Managing the Stress of Change.” See why Kay is excited to participate in the symposium in this humorous video.
If you still are deciding whether to attend, consider your answers to these questions:
- Do you have a patient who is dealing with long-haul COVID-19?
- Do you know someone who wants to give up after a trauma or is facing roadblocks in getting back to work?
- What about someone suffering from opioid use disorder?
- What can you do to help your patients dealing with chronic pain?
- Do you know how to navigate treatment approvals and getting reimbursed?
We will answer these questions and more during three exciting days of learning, networking, and continuing education (CE). We have requested CE approval for 19 medical and legal fields – a record number! Check our website’s CE section for the latest updates.
While networking with thousands of attendees from over 19 countries and more than 40 states, you can visit health care-related exhibitors in the virtual Exhibitor Marketplace.
For more information, review our symposium brochure, visit our website, email medsymposium@bwc.state.oh.us or call our provider contact center at 1-800-477-2292.
I look forward to seeing you virtually April 7 – 9 at our Medical & Health Symposium. Together, we will make a difference in the lives of our patients, families, and all Ohioans – at work and at home. Register today!
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Outpatient medication coverage changes
Effective Feb. 2, 2022, BWC made changes to our outpatient medication formulary. The Appendix of Ohio Administrative Code 4123-6-21.3 contains a complete list of medications covered under our closed formulary, including applicable quantity limits and these most recent coverage changes.
These changes are based on recommendations from our Pharmacy and Therapeutics committee. Our committee is a diverse group of pharmacists and prescribing physicians who advise us on appropriate prescriptions and authorization of medicines.
New medications
Oral antiretrovirals are covered when an injured worker has an allowed condition that supports the need for these medications. Additional medications include the generic form(s) of:
- Nurtec® ODT (rimegepant), Ubrelvy™ (ubrogepant), and Reyvow® (lasmiditan) to treat migraines
- Briviact® (brivaracetam) to treat seizures
- Antifungal: Cresemba® (isavuconazonium)
Deleted medications
Select NSAIDs; Tolmetin, Ketoprofen, Fenoprofen were removed from the outpatient formulary.
Coverage Changes
- Anticoagulants: Direct Factor Xa Inhibitors such as Xarelto (rivaroxaban), Eliquis (apixaban), and Savaysa (edoxaban) require prior authorization after a 30-day use if treatment is not for an allowed condition.
- Hypnotics: Such as Lunesta (eszopiclone), Ambien (zolpidem), and zaleplon are restricted to a total of a 30-day supply. Prior authorization is required for use beyond 30-days. Reimbursement for this drug class is considered for acute care and should not be used in combination with opioids or stimulants.
Questions
If you have questions about these medication changes or our pharmacy program, you may call the BWC Pharmacy team at 1-877-543-6446 or email Pharmacy.benefits@bwc.state.oh.us.
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MCO update: Health Management Solutions is now ProMedica Medical Management
BWC approved a managed care organization (MCO) name change request from Health Management Solutions (HMS). As of March 14, HMS is now ProMedica Medical Management.
To continue providing seamless customer service, you may still reach them using their HMS email addresses. In addition, we have updated our systems and the MCO Directory on our website.
The ProMedica Medical Management contact information:
2545 Farmers Drive, Suite 400
Columbus, OH 43235
http://www.promedicamco.com
To submit medical documentation or bills by fax, send to 614-889-6246 or 888-303-6294.
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Upcoming meetings
All public meetings of the Health Care Quality Assurance Advisory Committee (HCQAAC), MCO Medical Directors, MCO Quality of Care committee, and Pharmacy & Therapeutics committee are in-person meetings at BWC’s William Green Building (30 W. Spring St. Columbus, Ohio).
The next scheduled meetings are:
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MCO Medical Directors from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., April 13, 2022.
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HCQAAC from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., May 11, 2022.
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Pharmacy & Therapeutics committee from 1 – 3 p.m., May 11, 2022.
If you are not fully vaccinated, please wear a mask. Thank you.
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Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation
Vision: To transform BWC into an agile organization driven by customer success.
Mission: To deliver consistently excellent experiences for each BWC customer every day. Core Values: One Agency, Personal Connection, Innovative Leadership, Relentless Excellence.
Established in 1912, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is the exclusive provider of workers’ compensation insurance in Ohio, serving 249,000 public and private employers. With nearly 1,600 employees and assets of approximately $25 billion, BWC is one of the largest state-run insurance systems in the United States. For more, visit www.bwc.ohio.gov.
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