The word “fraud” carries a heavy connotation with it and making a fraud referral to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation can feel a bit overwhelming. What should you do if you suspect that a fraudulent claim has been filed against you? The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has an entire division devoted to analyzing and investigating fraud concerns. The Special Investigations Department was created in 1994 with the sole purpose of reviewing potential fraud in the workers’ compensation system.   

According to the Bureau’s Special Investigations Department Annual Report from 2025, they received 2,164 fraud allegations and ultimately closed 1,395 cases with 56 resulting in convictions for an identified savings of $91 million dollars.

It is important to understand the activities that are most associated with potential workers’ compensation claim fraud:

• Collecting disability benefits while receiving compensation 
• Receiving cash payment for work performed “under the table”
• Claiming to be injured while at work when the injury happened elsewhere
• Exaggeration of disability complaints to extend disability
• Falsifying documents related to a claim application

Employers are often notified of potential fraud either from co-workers who witnessed or heard about the suspected incident or through personal observation, such as seeing a post on social media.  Should you suspect one or more of the above activities you should contact the BWC Fraud unit to report a concern.

You can do this either through the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s website or by contacting the BWC Fraud department directly at 1.800.644.6292.  For more information, contact our Sedgwick program manager, Dave Deyo at 614-318-5516 or email david.deyo@sedgwick.com 

More than two dozen students are on their way to a future in medicine. The group of 7th grade students received their white coats at a special ceremony at Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Stecker Auditorium on Thursday, March 19, as part of the Made for Medicine program, an affiliate of the Columbus Medical Association.  

Made for Medicine, which celebrates its five-year anniversary this year, focuses on increasing the number of doctors and advancing health equity by preparing youth to enter the medical field. The 26 students honored on March 19 have now successfully completed Phase 1 of the program, which includes teaching, hands-on learning, guest speakers, and simulations.  

Students were joined by their families and guests, along with Made for Medicine board members and faculty members, to receive their white coats. Just like a medical student graduating medical school, the ceremony doesn’t just represent the completion of one journey; it marks the beginning of the next. 

“This is about health equity,” said Made for Medicine founder and board chair Dr. Laura Espy-Bell. “Because every child, regardless of their zip code, their income, or the color of their skin deserves doctors who see them value them and truly believe in their potential.” 

Congratulations to Phase 1 graduates and future physicians: 

• Chizara Akusoba 
  
• Daenerys Alabi 
• Aatif Arif 
• Tselot Assefa 
• Mya Brim 
• Bryce Carpenter 
• Kason Cumberlander 
• Adrian Frederick II 
• Serenity Hardy 
• Ainsley James 
• Jordan Jennings 
• Salaia Jones-Munns 
• Ariann Lightfoot-Lynch 
• Pierce Marshall 
• Dre'Onna Moore 
• Michelle Narh 
• Dhinan Rajan 
• Willow Rogers
• Anisa Salah
• Bethel Solomon
• Jayla Thomas
• Naomi Washington
• Amiyah Williams
• Jeremiah Wilmer
• Tyra Woody
• Bryce Wright

Watch this video to learn more about these future doctors and this incredible program. The students will continue to Phase 2-Deeper Dive in the fall, with labs, hospital field trips, and leadership development. 

Made for Medicine leaders also honored seven medical student volunteers who are graduating from medical school and continuing on to the next step in their careers. 

• Tyler Bonner 
• Camari Mike 
• Greg Norwood 
• Maliek Scott 
• Prosper Ssekayombya 
• Abahamdah Wako 
• Dean Ware 

Made for Medicine is a program sponsored by the Franklin County Board of Commissioners and the Columbus Medical Association Foundation. 

The Columbus Medical Association (CMA) Foundation is pleased to invite central Ohio physicians to its first informational speaker session focused on planned giving and charitable strategies for physicians. 

Many physicians reach a point in their careers where their balance sheet includes assets beyond their current lifestyle needs. On Tuesday, April 8 at 6:00 pm, CMA Foundation partner and presenter, WesBanco Wealth Management, will discuss how thoughtful planning will allow physicians to support meaningful causes while also strengthening long-term financial and estate planning goals. Topics will include: 

• Charitable Remainder Trusts 
• Qualified Charitable Distributions from IRAs 
• Charitable Lead Trusts 

This session is offered at no cost to central Ohio physicians and partners. Refreshments will be provided. 

Click here to register.

This is the first in a series of sessions hosted by the CMA Foundation to provide practical planned giving and charitable strategies for physicians. Additional session dates will be announced soon.