Limited space for BWC Virtual Provider Forum on Nov. 13
Join us Thursday, Nov. 13, from noon to 1 p.m. for our next Virtual Provider Forum — a must-attend event for anyone involved in Ohio workers’ compensation.
Hear from Dr. Bradley Lewis, Chief Medical Officer of the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation, and Dr. Brian Wilson, Director of Medical and Health Services, as they discuss Navigating Workers’ Compensation: A guided pathway for health-care providers.
In this one-hour lunch and learn, we will cover:
- The role providers play in the workers' compensation system
- The purpose of various forms such as the MEDCO-14 and the C-9
- Concussion rule
Engage directly with our experts during a live Q&A and online chat — get your questions answered in real time.
Limited space remaining; once we’re full, registration will close.
Register now to secure your spot!
This activity has been awarded: 1.0 Nursing contact hour and 0.1 IACET CEU. To earn continuing education credit, you must attend at least 90% of the session (including Q&A) and complete a short evaluation.
- The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
- The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has been accredited as an IACET Accredited Provider. For tracking purposes, 60 minutes of education content is awarded 0.1 CEU.
Questions?
Email us at BWCProviderEngagement@bwc.ohio.gov
We look forward to having you join us!
 Home health agency certification requirements change
The Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) 4123-6-02.2 dictates requirements and credentials necessary for providers to become BWC certified and participate in the Health Partnership Program.
Recently, we’ve identified the need to change the requirements to enroll and certify home health agencies. As of Nov. 1, 2025, changes became effective to enroll and certify licensed home health agencies that have either Medicare participation or are accredited by any of these three organizations:
- Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC)
- The Joint Commission (home care)
- Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP)
If you are interested in becoming certified as a home health agency with us, please fill out the MEDCO-13 form, send in your application and credentials, and we will add you to our network.
Coverage of lidocaine products
Lidocaine 4% patches, cream, gel, and solution (e.g., SalonPas, Aspercreme) are a covered option even though they are available over the counter (OTC) and are a preferred first-line option.
- No cost to the injured worker
- No prior authorization required
- Covered under the First Fill Program when the claim is pending
- Must be written as a prescription and dispensed by an enrolled pharmacy
Prescribe Lidocaine 4% products instead of instructing workers to purchase them OTC. This ensures timely access to pain relief without cost barriers.
Lidocaine 5% products are not part of the First Fill Program and has more restrictive criteria:
- Not covered without prior authorization
- Ointment:
- A minimum 14-day trial of Lidocaine 4% product
- A documented inadequate response within the past 30 days
- Patch:
- A minimum 14-day trial of Lidocaine 4% Patch
- A documented inadequate response within the past 30 days
- Reimbursement is limited to one patch per day if approved
If you have questions, call 1-877-543-6446, email Pharmacy.benefits@bwc.ohio.gov, during these hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., EST.
 Reminder: New vocational rehab rates and policy updates
On Oct. 1, 2025, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) adopted updates to the vocational rehabilitation provider fee schedule rule and appendix, as outlined in Ohio Administrative Code 4123-18-09.
Key updates include:
- A 4.12% increase in service rates for all vocational rehabilitation services except the mileage rate
- Continued reimbursement for provider mileage at the state rate of $0.58 per mile
- An updated reference to the Ohio Administrative Code in the definition of Child/Dependent Care
These updates support BWC’s ongoing efforts to align reimbursement with service expectations, promote efficiency, and ensure the delivery of high-quality services.
You can view and download both the current and updated fee schedules by visiting the Fee Schedule page on our website.
 Recommending an additional allowance
A physician can recommend adding an additional condition to an injured worker’s claim by completing section III of the Request for Medical Service Reimbursement or Additional Recommendations for Industrial Injury or Occupational Disease (C-9) (PDF). Start by faxing or mailing the completed and signed C-9 with supporting medical information to the designated MCO.
Early in the claim, an additional allowance is frequently recommended after diagnostic testing during follow-up care, or at a follow-up visit after an initial urgent care or emergency room visit. It is important to provide a clear narrative description of the condition(s) you are recommending on item 6 on the form. You must include the site and location of the condition.
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Incorrect: Lumbar disc herniation
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Correct: Lumbar disc herniation, L4- L5
You also must provide supporting documentation for the request. Indicate on question 7 your opinion based on the history, clinical evaluation, and expertise that the diagnosis or condition is causally related to the industrial accident or exposure.
Indicate “Yes” or “No” by checking the appropriate box on item 7, but you also must note or attach an explanation. This information is commonly attached with reference to an office visit note, diagnostic report, or other medical report.
Please note the following concerning additional allowances: BWC does not consider symptoms for allowance in the claim. BWC will only consider the condition causing the symptom for allowance. For example, BWC would consider adding sprain of the right knee, but would NOT consider adding pain of the limb/knee.
For more information, visit the Requesting additional allowances page on our website.
 2025 Medical Symposium: Record-breaking attendance, global reach, and professional diversity
The 2025 Medical & Health Symposium proved to be a resounding success — maintaining an educated network of providers, setting new records for attendance, expanding our global reach, and reflecting the continued growth and diversity within the fields of occupational health, workers’ compensation, and health-care innovation.
This year’s event, held on Sept. 17–19, 2025, drew 4,620 attendees, marking the highest participation since the Medical & Health Symposium began in 2015! Nurses made up the largest group of the 27 professional licensed professions with 2,353 registrants, while other fields — such as physicians, physical therapists, social workers, occupational therapists, and counselors — also showed strong engagement.
Check out our event recap video and follow the Medical & Health Symposium on LinkedIn to be the first to know details on next year’s event!
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