Article
What to Look for in an MCO
May 23, 2025
What is an MCO?
MCOs are contracted through the BWC to manage the medical aspect of employee work-related injury claims. They are paid by Ohio BWC with a portion of employer-paid premiums.\
What should an employer look for when selecting an MCO?
- A utilization review department that is separate from the case management department is key. This helps an MCO maintain impartiality and make objective decisions when responding to treatment requests by doctors to determine their appropriateness in the context of a claim.
- An MCO needs a comprehensive fee-auditing department to determine what claims are appropriate to pay. A company should feel confident that their MCO’s process is thorough enough to avoid unnecessary charges.
- Companies benefit from MCOs that have a relationship with a provider network. This enables it to take advantage of discounts below the BWC’s fee schedule. Lower medical costs equate to lower workers’ compensation premium payments.
- Customized reporting is an added perk, as such reports can contain incredibly valuable information - like how to target and engineer out certain injury types with better safety or ergonomic programs.
- A company should have one point of contact at their MCO. Having multiple contacts is confusing. One point of contact means the MCO can learn the employer’s preferences, and most importantly its return-to-work philosophy.
- MCOs should help with an employee’s return to work, and offer flexible return-to-work strategies that are specific to the employer.
For more information, contact Brandy King at
brandyk@suretyhr.com
share this
Related Articles
Related Articles
“Wright-Patt Credit Union is here to help you borrow smarter and meet your financial goals! Join us for a conversation that matters. Women At the Table Talks is a powerful gathering focused on financial independence, equity, and empowerment. Together, we’ll explore how women can navigate the pay gap, advocate for themselves and others, and create lasting balance—in life and finances. Pull up a chair, pour a cup of coffee, and join the dialogue. Your voice belongs at the table.” Register here - https://events.bizzabo.com/womenatthetabletalks/home
June 18, 2025 COLUMBUS – More than 130 golfers will tee off for a chance at the Governor’s Cup at the 29 th annual Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Foundation on Monday, September 8 th , at the Golf Club of Dublin. The shot gun start is at 10 a.m. Lunch options are available, and an awards dinner follows the event. Golfers can challenge themselves for the longest drive and closest to the pin competition. A silent auction and prize raffle drawing provide extra excitement. The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame has inducted nearly 1,000 members since its inauguration in 1992. Every year, the Hall inducts up to 20 deserving Ohio Veterans - men and women from all walks of life who, after their military service ended, went on to serve their communities in distinguished ways. Financial support for the Hall of Fame is provided by the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The Foundation recognizes and honors the inductees of each year’s class with a dinner the night before their induction and a reception the morning of the induction ceremony. The Foundation’s golf outing provides funds for these events. Space is still available for foursomes, individuals and sponsors for this year’s golf tournament. Entry and additional information is available online at ovhoff.com. The deadline for entry is August 24, 2025. Click here for sponsorship information. Click here for golfer registration.
Joining your local Chamber of Commerce or other business networking groups can be a game-changer for your professional growth. But simply attending events and handing out business cards isn’t enough. To truly excel in these settings, you need a strategic and authentic approach. Here’s how to make the most of your networking efforts. 1. Show Up Consistently The first step is to be present. Attend meetings, mixers, and events regularly. Consistency builds familiarity, and people are more likely to do business with those they know and trust. Make it a point to show up with a positive attitude and a willingness to contribute. 2. Focus on Building Relationships, Not Just Leads Avoid the hard sell. Instead, aim to form genuine connections. Ask questions, listen actively, and learn about others' businesses. When people feel seen and heard, they’re more inclined to remember you and refer you. 3. Volunteer and Get Involved One of the best ways to stand out is to volunteer for committees or help organize events. This shows leadership and commitment, and it places you in closer contact with influential members of the community. 4. Have a Clear Elevator Pitch Be ready to articulate who you are and what you do in a concise, engaging way. Tailor your pitch to highlight how your business solves a problem or brings value. Practice it until it feels natural, not rehearsed. 5. Follow Up and Stay in Touch After making a connection, don’t let it fizzle. Send a follow-up email or connect on LinkedIn. Mention something specific from your conversation to personalize the message. Staying top-of-mind is key to turning contacts into clients or collaborators. 6. Leverage Social Media Engage with your Chamber and other members on social platforms. Share event highlights, tag people you meet, and comment on others’ posts. This extends your visibility beyond in-person meetings. 7. Educate and Share Value Position yourself as a helpful resource. Offer insights, share tips, or host a workshop. The more you give, the more trust you build—and trusted professionals are the ones people refer. 8. Be Patient and Persistent Networking is a long game. It takes time to build trust and see results. Stay the course, keep showing up, and nurture your relationships. The payoff will come. Excelling in networking isn’t about being the loudest in the room. It’s about being consistent, genuine, and valuable. By investing in relationships and giving more than you take, your local Chamber of Commerce and other business groups can become powerful allies in your growth journey. Not a Chamber member yet? Join now today!