In an emergency or life threatening situation, the injured worker should seek medical attention at the nearest medical facility. Even in a non-emergency situation, once the injured worker seeks medical treatment, the medical provider will complete and submit a First Report of Injury (FROI) to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). The medical facility will need to know that Youngstown State University’s Managed Care Organization (MCO) is CompManagement Health Systems. The injured worker may also submit the FROI on-line at www.ohiobwc.com.
NOTE: In addition to the FROI, a Youngstown State University Accident/Incident Report must be completed within 24 hours and forwarded to the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety. If the injured worker is unable to complete the report, their immediate supervisor must do so to the best of his/her knowledge.
The BWC will send a letter to the injured worker informing them of the claim number. After a claim number is assigned the BWC will issue an order regarding their decision to approve or deny the claim.
If the Claim is Approved
An injured worker may be eligible for a medical only claim. If the medical only claim is allowed, the MCO will pay the health care provider for authorized treatments.
The injured worker may also be eligible to receive lost time benefits. Payment of temporary total compensation is paid directly from BWC. Lost time benefits are subject to a weekly maximum amount.
If the Claim is Denied
If any party disagrees with the Bureau’s decision regarding the Workers’ Compensation claim an appeal may be filed with the Industrial Commission. All appeals must be in writing and filed within 14 days of the issuance of a decision. The order from the BWC will inform all parties of their appeal rights.
The Workers’ Compensation system is governed by a number of different sources of Ohio law. See Ohio Revised Code Title 41 Chapters 4121, 4123 and the Ohio Administrative Code Chapters 4121, 4123 and 4125.