Workers’ Comp Unwrapped
Workers' Comp Unwrapped with Max Cooper is your go-to podcast for uncovering the complexities of the workers' compensation system. Join Max Cooper, an experienced industry professional, as he breaks down the latest trends, tips, and case studies in workers' comp, making it easier for business owners, HR professionals, and employees to navigate. From understanding your rights to exploring key legal developments, Max unwraps the essential information you need to know, all in an engaging and straightforward way. Tune in for insightful discussions, expert interviews, and actionable advice to help you manage workers' comp more effectively!
Episodes
Workers’ Comp Unwrapped Episode 308:
Explore billing for freelance worker injuries under SB 988 in California. Learn verification steps, documentation requirements, and billing best practices to ensure compliance and timely reimbursements.
#WorkersCompUnwrapped #Episode308 #WorkersCompBilling #FreelanceWorkers #GigEconomy #IndependentContractors #HealthcareReimbursement #MedicalBilling #BillingCompliance #CaliforniaWork...
Workers’ Comp Unwrapped Episode 307:
Navigating gig worker injuries under California’s Proposition 22 can be tricky for providers. In this episode, Max and Ayesha break down the rules for billing, common claim challenges, and strategies to maximize reimbursements while staying compliant. Learn how to handle approvals, coding, documentation, and appeals for gig worker claims.
#WorkersComp #GigEconomy #Proposition22 #Wor...
Ep. 306 – Billing for Vocational Rehabilitation Services in Workers’ Comp
Injured workers often need vocational rehab to get back to work—but how do you bill for those services correctly in workers’ comp? In this episode, Max and Ayesha explore the ins and outs of billing for voc rehab services, including the correct codes, documentation requirements, and common billing mistakes to avoid. Learn the key strategies ...
Ep. 305 – Higher Disability Payments: Optimizing Billing for TTD Increases
The California TTD rate is rising 3.8% in 2025—good news for injured workers, but a billing challenge for providers. In this episode, Max and Ayesha explain how the new rates affect medical billing, med-legal evaluations, and claim timelines. Learn best practices to stay accurate, avoid disputes, and keep collections moving.
#WorkersCom...
Ep. 304 – New Physician and Pharmaceutical Fee Schedules: What’s Changing in 2025
California’s DWC has released updated physician and pharmaceutical fee schedules for 2025. In this episode, Max and Ayesha unpack the new CPT codes, drug pricing benchmarks, and conversion factors, and explain how accurate coding prevents denials and maximizes reimbursements. Learn what’s changing, common mistakes to avoid, and how to pre...
Ep. 303 – Impact of the 2025 Pure Premium Rate Increase on Provider Billing
The WCIRB has approved an 11.2% increase to the 2025 pure premium rate—but what does that mean for California medical providers? In this episode, Max and Ayesha break down the ripple effect this has on reimbursement, preauthorization, denials, and provider billing strategy. Learn how to strengthen documentation, reduce revenue loss, and p...
Ep. 302 – Liberty Mutual’s Excessive Refund Requests: How to Fight Back
Liberty Mutual has been sending refund requests for authorized, properly billed medical services, but do you really have to pay them back? In this episode, Max and Ayesha break down the legality of these demands, explain how to challenge them through California’s Independent Bill Review (IBR) process, and share real cases where providers succe...
Ep. 301 – Navigating PPO Contracts and Silent PPOs: Maximizing Revenue
In this season opener, Max and Ayesha break down the world of PPO contracts and expose the hidden impact of silent PPOs on your workers’ comp reimbursements. Learn how to identify unauthorized discounts, challenge underpayments, and protect your revenue using the tools and regulations available to California medical providers. Whether you&apos...
Subtitle: If You Don’t Update the Claim, You’re Updating Your Write-Off List
In this episode of Workers Comp Unwrapped, Max is joined by Ayesha to break down why timely and accurate claim amendments are essential in California workers’ compensation. From new diagnoses and expanded body parts to treatment plan changes, they cover when and how to file amendments to avoid denials, delays, and lost revenue. Get action...
In this episode of Workers Comp Unwrapped, Max and Ayesha dive into the frustrating world of post-acute care claim denials, where even the most necessary treatments can be deemed "not medically necessary." They explore common reasons for denials, including lack of prior authorization, coding errors, and medical necessity disputes. Ayesha shares strategies to prevent denials, offering insights into how to sub...
In this must-listen episode, Max and Ayesha dive into the critical documents every provider, employer, and insurer must have to stay compliant—and paid—in California’s workers’ comp system. From first reports to lien filings, discover the exact forms, legal requirements, and common documentation pitfalls that can cost thousands in denied claims and penalties.
Whether you're new to workers' comp or overdue for...
In this episode of Workers Comp Unwrapped, Max and Ayesha break down the most important—and often missed—deadlines in California workers’ comp. From bill submissions to lien filings and UR appeals, every stage of the claims process has a strict timeline. And missing even one can mean losing your right to payment.
Ayesha shares practical tips to avoid common mistakes, track critical dates, and implement systems tha...
In this episode of Workers Comp Unwrapped, Max and guest expert Ayesha dive into the real impact of Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) on providers. While MMI signals medical stability for injured workers, it opens a new chapter of billing challenges, lien deadlines, and heightened scrutiny for healthcare providers.
Learn what MMI truly means under California law, how it affects treatment approvals, and why failing...
🎙 Workers Comp Unwrapped – Episode 223
Title: Collaborative Strategies Between Adjusters, Attorneys, and Providers
Subtitle: Because "We Didn’t Get Your Email" Isn’t a Strategy
This week, Max sits down with Ayesha to unpack why poor communication keeps claims delayed and payments missing—and what providers can do about it. From broken email chains to lost authorizations, they explore h...
Workers Comp Unwrapped – Episode 222
Topic: When to Involve Utilization Review in Workers’ Comp Cases
Subtitle: How to Survive UR, Get Approvals, and Actually Get Paid
Host: Max
Guest: Ayesha
Description:
Utilization Review (UR): the gatekeeper of treatment approvals and the bane of every provider's existence. In this episode, Max and guest Ayesha dive deep into the what, when, and how of ...
🎙️ Episode 221 – Understanding Workers’ Comp Subrogation: What Providers Should Know
Guest: Ayesha | Host: Max
Subrogation: that frustrating word insurers love to use when they don’t want to pay your bill. In this episode, Max is joined by returning expert Ayesha to break down what subrogation actually means, how it impacts provider payments, and what you can do to protect your revenue. From legal rights under Ca...
Episode 20 – Unpacking the DOGE Controversy While MLM: Expose the Real Risk
In this eye-opening episode, we dive into the growing controversy surrounding Elon Musk’s promotion of DOGE—specifically how his crypto maneuvers are slashing critical maternal health funding, all while publicly advocating for higher birth rates. The contradiction isn’t just ironic—it’s dangerous.
We break down what this funding s...
$1M Workers’ Comp Fraud Case: How Being with MLM Could Save You"
In this episode of Workers’ Comp Unwrapped, Max Cooper is joined by compliance expert Ayesha Malik to unpack a high-profile fraud case involving a California plumbing contractor ordered to pay over $1 million in restitution. The discussion dives into what went wrong, how the fraud was detected, and what employers can learn from it.
More impo...
After successful Season 01 and ongoing Season 02, MLM is now introducing a session where our workers' comp experts answer your most asked questions and discuss strategies for medical providers to overcome the hurdles.
#podcast #newepisode #episode #healthcare #hospitals #medical #workerscomp #attorney #doctors #california #usa #billing #workerscompbilling #trump #medicalprovider #LienFiling #SBR #R...
Episode 18: Exploring the Role of Blockchain in Workers’ Comp Billing
Blockchain technology is poised to revolutionize workers’ comp billing, making claims more transparent, secure, and efficient. But how does it actually work, and what does it mean for medical providers, insurers, and claims professionals?
In this episode of Workers’ Comp Unwrapped, Max & Ayesha break down:
✅ What blockchain is and ho...
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