OM establishes the nation’s first formal designation for medical practices and service providers committed to supporting high quality, well coordinated care for injured workers

The OM Center of Excellence (COE) Designation is the nation’s only formal professional designation created specifically for medical practices and service providers that support injured workers.

The COE Designation was developed in partnership with employers and experienced workers’ compensation professionals to establish a clear, national benchmark for organizations that consistently follow best practices in injured worker care. While many organizations provide quality care, there has historically been no formal, objective way to distinguish those that consistently meet established administrative, operational, and care coordination standards beyond clinical treatment.

The COE Designation focuses on administrative, operational, and care coordination standards that support timely access to care, accurate and timely documentation, effective coordination among all parties involved, and clear communication throughout the injured worker’s course of care.

The COE Designation does not evaluate, direct, or influence medical decision-making. All clinical decisions remain solely with the treating physician. The designation recognizes organizations that have strong systems, workflows, and protocols in place to support injured worker care while maintaining full clinical independence.

Medical practices and service providers must apply, meet established eligibility criteria, and complete a structured evaluation process conducted by an independent Oversight Committee composed of physicians, employers, adjusters, nurse case managers, and industry professionals. OM serves as the program developer and administrator but does not determine which organizations receive designation.

Organizations that achieve designation are formally recognized for meeting established COE standards, operational consistency, and reliable support of injured worker care.