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Media Advisory: Sept. 29, 2008
BWC Board Approves New Medical Provider Fee Schedule
COLUMBUS – The majority of Ohio medical providers who treat injured workers can expect to see their
first fee increases since 2004. The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Board of Directors today
approved a new, more competitive medical provider fee schedule. The decision came following a comprehensive
review of BWC’s benefit plan and corresponding fee schedule for medical procedures, services and supplies.
The adjustments to the schedule help ensure competitive provider payments and maintain injured worker and
employer access to care.
“A solid benefit plan with fair and competitive fees is essential to maintaining an excellent network of
medical providers to deliver high-quality medical care for Ohio’s injured workers,” said BWC Chief of Medical
Services Bob Coury.
BWC reimburses approximately 70,000 providers for services rendered to Ohio’s injured workers. This
includes office visits, hospital care, medical equipment and procedures. The fee schedule sets rates
reimbursed to medical providers for their services. Providers will experience an increase in reimbursement
rates for approximately 85 percent of services and products rendered. Certain providers will also receive
an increase for mileage reimbursement from 31 cents to 51 cents per mile.
“Our network of medical professionals serve as a foundation for Ohio’s workers’ comp system, providing
hands-on care to ensure injured workers return to work as quickly as possible,” said BWC Administrator Marsha
Ryan. “We will regularly review performance measures and examine methodologies in practice to ensure our
fee schedule is an asset in keeping the best possible network of dependable medical providers.”
In recommending improvements to the medical provider fee schedule, BWC requested input from certified
providers, stakeholders and interested parties. Staff also studied industry best practices, rates of inflation
and fee benchmarking against those of other states. BWC also used the Federal Center for Medicare and
Medicaid Services methodology for professional reimbursements. The fee schedule adjustments now go through
the Ohio rule-making process. BWC expects changes will take effect Jan. 1, 2009.
Other board activities of note include the board of directors’ quarterly public forum held yesterday on
the subject of self-insurance. More than a dozen employers, injured workers and worker representatives
addressed the board, relating their experiences with self-insured workers’ compensation.
“It is invaluable for this board to hear from self-insured employers and workers on the front lines who
can provide us with a true picture of what works and what doesn’t,” said Board Chairman William Lhota.
“This information provides a good framework for the board and BWC staff as we look at ways to continually
improve Ohio’s workers’ compensation system.”
Ohio is home to approximately 1,100 self-insured firms that manage their own workers’ compensation programs.
These employers provide jobs to approximately one-third of the state’s work force.
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Maria Smith
614-728-8045 or 614-205-5709
mariasmith@bwc.state.oh.us
Melissa Vince
614-466-2956 or 614-202-2329
melissa.vince@bwc.state.oh.us
Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Board of Directors
Chairman William Lhota, SI Employers | Charles Bryan, Actuary | David Caldwell, Employee
Organizations | Alison Falls, Investment & Securities | Thomas Pitts, Employees | Kenneth
Haffey, CPA | James Harris, Employee Organizations | James Hummel, Large Employers | Jim
Matesich, Small Employers | Larry Price, Public | Robert Smith, Investment & Securities
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