Supporting Materials

If any requested information is not available at the time of submission, or if additional clarification is needed, the service provider will be given the opportunity to provide supplemental materials and context prior to any final determination. An OM representative may contact the service provider to review submitted documentation, discuss outstanding items, and ensure all relevant information is fully considered. Service providers may also submit additional information to the Independent COE Oversight Committee as part of the review process.

Evaluation Standards

The COE Designation evaluates whether a service provider meets established criteria and demonstrates adherence to recognized best practices related to the coordination and support of care for injured workers.

Evaluation criteria include whether the service provider demonstrates:

• Timely responsiveness to referrals, service requests, or case-related needs

• Timely completion and submission of required documentation, reports, or state-required forms where applicable

• Clear, consistent, and timely communication with employers, insurance carriers, claims adjusters, nurse case managers, treating providers, and other involved parties

• Effective coordination that supports continuity of care and helps prevent delays

• Ongoing staff training and demonstrated familiarity with workers’ compensation requirements and processes

• Professional customer service, including responsiveness, courtesy, and accessibility

• Organized, reliable operational processes that support injured workers and the professionals involved in their care

Recognition

Service providers awarded the COE Designation receive formal recognition for demonstrating established operational practices that support the coordination of care for injured workers.

Recognition includes:

• Authorization to display the official OM Center of Excellence (COE) Seal on the organization’s website and professional materials, in accordance with COE usage guidelines

• A digital Certificate of Designation for official and internal use

• National acknowledgment by OM as a COE-Designated Service Provider

• Inclusion in OM’s national registry of verified COE-Designated Service Providers

• Optional inclusion in the OM National Directory as a COE-Designated Service Provider (offered separately)

Designation Renewal

The COE Designation is valid for two (2) years from the date of approval.

Service providers will be notified ninety (90) days prior to expiration. Renewal requires submission of an updated application and confirmation that the organization continues to meet COE criteria related to operational practices, coordination support, staff training, customer service, and service delivery processes.

If concerns are identified during renewal or interim review, the service provider will be given the opportunity to submit additional information or documentation prior to any determination regarding designation status. The Independent COE Oversight Committee reserves the right to re-evaluate designation status if an organization no longer meets COE criteria.

Program Independence and Cost Transparency

The OM Center of Excellence (COE) Designation is a national professional recognition program established to evaluate whether service providers meet defined operational and coordination standards supporting the care of injured workers.

Like other professional designation programs, the COE Designation requires structured administration, documentation review, independent evaluation, and ongoing program oversight. Program fees are necessary to support these activities and ensure the designation is administered consistently, objectively, and independently across all applicants. The COE Designation operates independently from OM marketing programs, promotional services, and business affiliations. Service providers are not required to be OM clients to apply for, participate in, or receive the designation.

Payment of program fees supports the administrative and evaluation process only and does not guarantee designation.

The COE Designation:

• Is a professional recognition program, not a marketing program, membership, or referral network

• Does not include marketing services, promotional activity, referrals, or directory placement

• Does not create, imply, or establish a contractual, referral, or business relationship with OM

Important Notices

The COE Designation is open to qualified service providers nationwide, regardless of affiliation with OM. OM Marketing services are separate and available only to active OM clients under a separate agreement. Earning the COE Designation does not create, imply, or extend a marketing, referral, or contractual relationship with OM. WorkComp Ready Certification is a separate educational and training-based certification program available to physicians and is not part of the COE Designation for service providers.

Fee Structure

All fees support the administrative review, independent committee evaluation, and verification processes associated with the OM Center of Excellence (COE) Designation. Fees are used solely to administer, oversee, and maintain a consistent, objective, and independent national designation program. The COE fee structure is established based on nationally recognized fair-market pricing for professional designation programs of similar scope and rigor. Payment of fees supports the evaluation and oversight process only and does not guarantee designation. Fees are not associated with marketing services, referrals, directory placement, or business affiliations. Once the formal review process has begun, all fees are non-refundable.

Fee Schedule

Initial Application Fee – $4,000
Includes comprehensive administrative review, documentation verification, and independent evaluation by the COE Oversight Committee.

Reapplication Fee – $1,750
Applies to service providers reapplying following a conditional, deferred, or non-approval determination.

Renewal Fee – $2,000
Covers the two-year re-evaluation process, including verification of continued compliance with COE standards related to operational practices, coordination support, staff training, and customer service.

OM Center of Excellence (COE) Designation Overview

The OM Center of Excellence (COE) Designation formally recognizes service providers that adhere to established best practices in operational support and coordination related to the care of injured workers. The COE Designation does not evaluate, direct, or influence medical decision-making.

Recognition Includes

Official COE Designation Certificate and Seal
Service providers receive a formal digital designation letter and authorization to use the official OM Center of Excellence (COE) Seal on their website and professional materials, in accordance with COE usage guidelines.

National Recognition
Recognition as a COE-Designated Service Provider reflecting adherence to established best practices in operational support and coordination.

National COE Registry Listing
All service providers awarded the COE Designation are included in OM’s national registry of verified COE-Designated organizations.

Optional Directory Inclusion
Service providers may elect to be included in the OM National Directory as a COE-Designated organization.

Independent Review and Designation Authority

The COE Designation is awarded only after completion of a structured, multi-step evaluation process conducted in accordance with established COE standards. All designation decisions are made solely by the Independent COE Oversight Committee. OM’s role is limited to facilitating application intake, coordinating administrative review, and supporting the evaluation process. OM does not participate in or influence designation decisions.

Final Acknowledgment

By submitting an application, the service provider confirms that all information provided is accurate, complete, and reflective of its current operational practices supporting injured workers. All submitted materials are treated as confidential and reviewed solely for the purpose of evaluating eligibility for the COE Designation.

Submission Confirmation

Once a completed application and all required supporting materials have been submitted, the organization will receive written acknowledgment confirming receipt. If additional information is required, an OM representative will contact the service provider. Please allow approximately six to eight (6–8) weeks for completion of the review process. For questions regarding the application process, service providers may contact the OM COE Program Team at info@ommktg.com.