The COE Designation was developed in partnership with employers and experienced workers’ compensation professionals to recognize medical practices and service providers that demonstrate the highest standards of care coordination and operational consistency. While many organizations provide care, there has historically been no formal way to identify those that consistently follow best practices that support injured workers beyond clinical treatment alone.m description

Organizations are evaluated through a structured process conducted by an independent Oversight Committee composed of physicians, employers, adjusters, nurse case managers, and industry professionals. OM develops and administers the program but does not determine which organizations receive designation

Medical practices that have achieved the COE Designation are identified on the OM Docs website and directory. The directory allows employers, carriers, and third-party organizations to easily locate designated practices and view their COE status.

The COE Designation does not evaluate, direct, or influence medical decision-making. All clinical decisions remain solely with the treating physician.

As part of the COE review process, physician credentials are reviewed and verified to confirm appropriate licensure, board status, and professional standing. Credential review is conducted for verification purposes only.

The COE Designation does not assess clinical judgment, treatment decisions, or medical outcomes. Clinical independence is preserved, and all medical decisions remain the responsibility of the treating physician.

Medical practices awarded the COE Designation have demonstrated that established best practices are in place and that the practice is structured to provide the highest level of care for injured workers.

For more than two decades, OM has worked closely with employers, insurance carriers, third-party administrators, nurse case managers, adjusters, and medical practices involved in the care of injured workers. Through ongoing work and industry feedback, a need was identified for a professional designation to distinguish medical practices that follow established best practices in injured worker care.

In response, OM partnered with clinical and industry experts to develop the COE Designation and its review standards.

The COE Designation is open to all medical practices that meet established criteria. OM serves solely as the program developer and administrator and does not determine which practices receive the designation. All designation decisions are made independently by the COE Oversight Committee.

The COE Designation operates independently from OM marketing programs, services, and business affiliations.

The COE Designation is overseen by an independent Oversight Committee, with OM serving as the program administrator. The required fee supports the Oversight Committee’s time and resources for application review, site visits, and the administrative work required to manage a formal designation and recognition process.

As with all established Center of Excellence programs, a fee is standard due to the costs associated with operating an independent review structure and conducting structured evaluations. Programs that utilize independent committees and on-site assessments follow a similar model. The COE Designation is made possible through the work and oversight of the committee.

Employers, carriers, and experienced third-party organizations interested in participating on the COE Oversight Committee may request additional information by emailing info@ommktg.com.