Choosing a doctor
When you are hurt on the job, you can see any doctor for your first visit. After that you must select a BWC-certified provider as your physician of record (POR).

• Your employer may suggest a doctor for you to visit, but you have the right to visit any BWC-certified provider.
• BWC-certified providers have agreed to provide you with the quality care you need to get back to work.
• You may choose as your physician of record (POR), a provider who is a:
  • BWC-certified provider and part of a managed care organization (MCO) panel;
  • BWC-certified provider and not part of an MCO panel.
• Injured workers with dates of injury prior to Oct. 20, 1993, may retain a non-certified provider as a POR if such relationship already exists. These injured workers must select a BWC-certified provider if a change is ever requested.

The MCO may not dispute an injured worker’s selection of POR. An injured worker may only have one POR at any given time. In claims when more than one physician treats the injured worker, there still can only be one recognized POR.

A POR must be a medical doctor (M.D.), a doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.), a doctor of mechanotherapy (D.M.T.), or a doctor of chiropractic (D.C.). In some instances, a doctor of podiatry (D.P.M.); a doctor of dental surgery (D.D.S); or licensed psychologist (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) may be a physician of record.

To locate a BWC-certified provider in your area, contact your MCO, your local customer service office or BWC customer assistance at 1-800-OHIOBWC, and listen to the options.