Vocational Rehab in Ohio BWC Claims

Posted By Brandy King
April 11, 2023 Category: Ohio Bwc, Workers Comp, Voc Rehab, Ttd, Lost Time

What is vocational rehab and who is it for? More commonly called “voc rehab,” this is a set of services offered to an eligible injured worker (IW) who, due to an industrial injury or occupational disease, needs assistance to return to work, retain employment, or obtain new employment. Not all claimants will be eligible.  BWC determines eligibility for Voc Rehab (VR) services based on these criteria. TPAs or employers can contact their MCO’s VR Program Coordinator with eligibility questions.   Does the injured worker return to work for the original employer (where the injury occurred) or look for work elsewhere? Either option is possible.  The VR case manager performs an initial assessment and file review, then makes a recommendation. An important part of the initial assessment is referred to as determination of the “return-to-work hierarchy.” This is typically followed by approval from your MCO’s Voc Rehab Program Coordinator. The VR case managers are responsible for systematically going through the four levels of the hierarchy & ruling options out based on info obtained at the onset of the case, and throughout the process until the hierarchy level is reached that fits the IW’s situation. The research-supported priority outcomes for return to work minimizes disruption in the IW’s life & ensures the most cost-effective, efficient, and permanent re-employment for that IW.  The hierarchy in desce