The OM Center of Excellence (COE) was established to recognize medical practices that follow best practices supporting timely, efficient, and well-coordinated care for injured workers. The designation focuses on administrative and operational practices, including clear communication, accurate and timely documentation, and effective coordination with all parties involved in the delivery of care.

To receive the OM Center of Excellence (COE) Designation, a medical practice must meet established criteria designed to support high-quality care for injured workers.

These criteria outline specific standards practices are required to follow, including implementing protocols that support timely access to care and ensuring staff are trained in workers’ compensation best practices. Practices may already have these elements in place or may implement them as part of the COE application and review process.

Why is there a fee associated with the designation?

The designation is overseen by an independent Oversight Committee, with OM serving as the program administrator. The required fee helps support the committee’s time for application review, the site visit, and the administrative work involved in managing the designation and recognition process.

Programs that utilize independent review committees and on-site evaluations follow a similar structure, as there are inherent costs associated with operating a formal designation process. This program would not be possible without the work of the Oversight Committee.

We appreciate your understanding.

The COE Designation is open to medical practices that treat injured workers and meet the established COE criteria.

Practices may include, but are not limited to:

• Physician-owned and group practices

• Specialty and multi-specialty practices

• Occupational and injury-focused providers

Participation is voluntary and based on meeting defined COE standards.

The COE Designation evaluates administrative and operational standards related to the care of injured workers, including:

• Care coordination processes

• Communication protocols with employers, carriers, and case managers

• Documentation standards and timeliness

• Administrative workflows that support efficient case management

The COE Designation does not assess clinical outcomes, treatment decisions, or medical judgment.

The COE Designation process includes:

• Submission of a formal application

• Review against established COE criteria

• Independent evaluation by the COE Oversight Committee

• Ongoing adherence to COE standards

Designation is granted only to practices that meet all required criteria.

The COE Designation reflects a medical practice’s commitment to providing the highest level of care possible to injured workers. At its core, the designation recognizes practices that prioritize patient care while maintaining the systems and processes that support timely appointments, clear communication, and accurate, timely documentation, allowing care to be delivered effectively.

The OM Center of Excellence (COE) Designation is administered by OM Marketing and governed by an independent COE Oversight Committee. OM is responsible for program administration only and does not approve, deny, or influence designation outcomes. All designation determinations are made solely by the independent Oversight Committee in accordance with established COE criteria.

The COE Designation is fully independent from OM’s marketing programs, promotional services, and business affiliations. Medical practices are not required to be OM clients to apply for or receive the designation.

The COE Designation evaluates administrative and care coordination practices only. It does not assess clinical care, influence medical judgment, or direct treatment decisions. All clinical decisions remain solely with the treating physician.

The COE Designation is a distinct, standalone program focused exclusively on recognizing practices that meet established administrative and care coordination criteria in the care of injured workers.

The OM Center of Excellence (COE) partners with employers, carriers, associations, and medical practices to support recognition of the highest level of care for injured workers.

For more than two decades, OM has worked directly with employers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators to educate physicians and establish best practices related to workers’ compensation care and administrative coordination.

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. This credential verification is conducted to ensure physicians meet established professional requirements and is limited to validation of credentials only. The COE Designation does not assess clinical judgment, treatment decisions, or medical outcomes.