• Set nationally recognized benchmarks for the quality, consistency, and integrity of systems and processes that support the care of injured workers, with patient care as the highest priority.

• Support timely, patient-centered care by emphasizing efficient access to care, accurate and complete documentation, and coordinated administrative and care-support processes throughout the recovery journey.

• Recognize practices that demonstrate strong administrative standards, including complete, accurate, and timely reporting of documentation related to the care and management of injured workers.

• Promote accountability and transparency through structured communication and coordination among care teams and other parties involved in supporting an injured worker’s recovery.

• Encourage alignment with applicable regulations and ethical standards related to the care of injured workers, including responsible documentation practices, ethical billing processes, and adherence to required reporting milestones.

• Highlight operational excellence, including knowledgeable teams, organized authorization and tracking systems, and effective coordination practices that support continuity of care and help cases move forward without unnecessary administrative delays.

• Reinforce the importance of measurable outcomes, with a focus on recovery progression, functional improvement, and safe, medically appropriate return-to-work outcomes.

The OM Center of Excellence (COE) Designation represents a national benchmark for best practices in the care of injured workers, grounded in patient-centered care, administrative integrity, and demonstrated outcomes.

The designation recognizes excellence not only in the support of clinical care, but also in the administrative and operational practices that help ensure injured workers receive appropriate, timely, and well-coordinated care throughout the recovery process.

To be eligible for consideration, practices must demonstrate a clear and measurable commitment to excellence in the care and support of injured workers. Applicants must meet the following foundational eligibility criteria:

• Demonstrate the ability to support comprehensive and coordinated care for injured workers through established administrative, communication, and care-coordination processes that facilitate timely evaluation, continuity of care, and functional recovery.

• Maintain a defined workers’ compensation program or structured coordination process within the practice to ensure consistent handling of authorizations, documentation, and case communication.

• Demonstrate timely, complete, and accurate documentation practices, including treatment updates, progress reporting, and work-status information necessary to support employers, carriers, nurse case managers, and other involved parties.

• Maintain open and consistent communication protocols with employers, insurance carriers, nurse case managers, and adjusters to support efficient case progression and reduce avoidable administrative delays.

• Adhere to all applicable state and federal workers’ compensation laws, regulations, and reporting requirements, maintaining compliance throughout the duration of care.

• Uphold ethical, transparent billing and compliance practices, including adherence to applicable fee schedules, accurate reporting, and proper documentation of required milestones such as impairment ratings and Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), when applicable.

• Maintain a professional, organized, and patient-accessible clinical environment that supports safety, trust, and effective care coordination for injured workers.

• Demonstrate a consistent commitment to prioritizing patient care and recovery, ensuring that care decisions remain guided by medical necessity and professional clinical judgment.

• Employ appropriately licensed and credentialed medical professionals and support staff, with evidence of ongoing education and training relevant to workers’ compensation administrative and coordination best practices.