University Hospitals CompCare News

University Hospitals CompCare's Step-by-Step Guidance for Springing Into Action Against Injuries

In the aftermath of a workplace injury, knowing what to do, whom to contact and what to expect are critical for assuring quality medical care and controlling costs.

In life-threatening situations, employees should receive immediate emergency care, without any need for notification or pre-certification. The emergency medical care provider is responsible for calling University Hospitals CompCare Customer Service at 1-800-818-7273 within 24 hours to report the injury and medical status.

In non-emergency situations, employees injured at work should notify their supervisor or other employer representative first. Then, the employee should seek initial diagnosis and treatment, preferably from a medical provider who is part of the University Hospitals CompCare network, which includes some 3,000 BWC-certified providers throughout Ohio.

Injured employees have the option of choosing other BWC-certified providers outside the network. Non-network, non-certified providers can be used only for initial emergency treatment; otherwise, there may be some out-of-pocket expenses.

Within 24 hours of an injury, the employer must complete the First Report of Injury form and FAX it to University Hospitals CompCare at 216-844-6260, which begins the claim-filing process.

University Hospitals CompCare case managers (all of whom are registered nurses certified in occupational health and/or case management) must preauthorize certain services such as surgery, diagnostic testing and hospital admissions. In collaboration with medical providers, case managers review treatment plans, medical records and provider bills to ensure that the care recommended or provided is medically necessary and effective. University Hospitals CompCare then reimburses medical providers for authorized treatment and rehabilitation.

For more information on managing the injury reporting and follow-up process, refer to the University Hospitals CompCare Employer's Guide to Managing On-the-Job Injuries and/or Employee's Guide to Managing On-the-Job Injuries.