When an employee gets hurt on the job, the way that injury is classified in Ohio's workers' compensation system can have a real impact on your company's costs, your experience modifier, and your overall safety record. Two of the most common claim types you'll encounter are lost time claims and medical only claims — and understanding the difference between them is one of the most practical things an Ohio employer can do to manage risk.
What Is a Medical Only Claim?
A medical only claim, sometimes called a "no-lost-time" claim, is filed when an employee is injured but continues to work throughout their recovery — either in their regular role or in a modified or light-duty capacity. The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) covers the cost of the employee's medical treatment, but no compensation is paid for lost wages.
From a cost standpoint, medical only claims are generally less expensive and carry less weight in your experience modification rate (EMR) calculation. This is one reason why getting injured workers back to work quickly — even in a limited capacity — is a priority for cost-conscious employers.
What Is a Lost Time Claim?
A lost time claim is filed when an injured employee misses more than 7 work days and begins receiving wage replacement benefits, known as temporary total disability (TTD) compensation. These claims are significantly more expensive on average and carry more weight in your EMR calculation, which directly affects your workers' compensation premiums.
Lost time claims also tend to stay open longer, involve more medical management, and require closer coordination between the employer, the injured worker, and BWC or your third-party administrator.
Why the Distinction Matters for Ohio Employers
The classification of a claim isn't just administrative — it has downstream effects on your business. Here's what's at stake:
Premium costs: Lost time claims contribute more heavily to your experience modifier, which can raise your premiums at renewal.
Group rating eligibility: Employers with higher claim costs may have difficulty qualifying for or staying in a group rating or group retrospective rating program, which are common ways Ohio businesses reduce their BWC premiums.
Workplace culture: How you respond to injuries sends a message to your workforce. A proactive return-to-work program shows employees they're valued and can reduce the likelihood of claims escalating.
Claim duration: Lost time claims that remain open can accrue significant costs over time, especially if treatment becomes prolonged or disputed.
Practical Steps to Keep Claims in the Medical Only Category
While not every injury can be managed as a medical only claim, there are steps employers can take to minimize lost time when it's safe and appropriate to do so.
Have a written return-to-work policy that outlines how modified or light-duty work will be offered to injured employees.
Act quickly after an injury. Early communication with the injured worker and prompt medical care can prevent minor injuries from becoming major claims.
Work with a managed care organization (MCO) to coordinate treatment and keep claims moving toward resolution.
Document modified duty offers in writing to protect your position if a claim is later disputed.
Train supervisors so they know exactly what to do in the first 24 hours after a workplace injury — that window is critical.
Understanding how claims are classified is just the beginning. If you have questions about managing workers' compensation costs, improving your return-to-work program, or navigating Ohio BWC requirements, the team at Spooner MAI is here to help. Reach out to us today to start a conversation.
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