Employers can continue their relationship with an Occupational Health Link member institution.  In many cases, employers already have an effective relationship with an occupational health provider. Occupational Health Link enables the employer to keep and strengthen that relationship without wasting time and money by going through an insurance company intermediary for every question and decision.  Decisions are made locally. Regional case management centers are, in most cases, located at the hospital or clinic the employer is using.  This allows rapid decision-making and approvals.  There is no need to communicate with an insurance company case manager in another city who doesn’t know the cases.

Injury reporting

Clients can submit claims to Occupational Health Link via phone, fax or online.  Employers should use the First Report of Injury (FROI) from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC), which is available on their website at www.ohiobwc.com.  When Occupational Health Link receives a claim, we will file it with BWC. BWC will review the FROI form and all supporting medical documentation obtained by Occupational Health Link, to determine if the claim is compensable and assign allowances.

Injured Worker

As an Injured Worker weaving through the Workers’ Compensation field can be a daunting and frightening experience, but as a Managed Care Organization (MCO) who is owned and run by a team of providers, our main focus is to provide quality and affordable health options. Our main goal is to help you return back to work, fully functional.

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Providers

Medical providers rendering services in Ohio must be BWC-certified to participate in the Health Partnership Program (HPP). Certification is based on licensing, certification and accreditation requirements necessary to provide services.

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Investigating and Documenting Injuries

Key steps employers can take to help imporive claims outcomes

Step 1: Communication

Maintain ongoing communication with all parties involved in the process.

Step 2: Internal Reporting

Establish internal reporting procedures and policies, and educate your entire staff on the importance of prompt, thorough injury reporting.

Step 3: Contact

Maintain contact with injured workers while they are off work and make sure they understand who their primary contact is at your company if they have questions about their claim.

Step 4: Working Relationship

Establish a working relationship with medical providers in your area; they should become familiar with your operation and provide prompt, quality care.

Step 5: Transitional Work

Offer transitional work or consider making modifications to an employee’s job duties that would allow them to return to work sooner.
When a work-related injury occurs, the employer should conduct an investigation and thoroughly document the incident.  It is important to do this as soon as the individuals with knowledge of the incident can be contacted.  Several factors should be considered such as ergonomics, equipment failure, weather conditions and physical capabilities.

Employer involvement is crucial for successful claims outcomes. Employers can contribute a great deal to the claims management process through communication, monitoring and participation.