Navigating Workers Compensation by The Intelligent Rebellion

Dr Isabel King, Policy and Advocacy Advisor at Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA), interviews Rhea Mercado (Healthcare Humanist, Injury Management Specialist and CompoNerd) about New South Wales workers compensation reforms and what they mean for exercise physiologists. Rhea explains the scheme faced a massive deficit and a 64% rise in psychological claims, making sustainability and cost efficiency unavoidable, and clarifies scheme agents manage claims rather than underwrite risk. She highlights key reform impacts for ESSA members: tighter, faster and more forensic decision-making focused on medical/treatment entitlements, return to work and prevention, including a 42-day liability decision window for psychological claims where treatment can cease if liability is declined. The discussion emphasises “scheme literacy” alongside evidence-based care: translating clinical measures into functional work capacity, aligning goals to certificates of capacity, “bundling goals,” “consistently creeping capacity,” reducing weekly benefits by increasing work capacity, and proactively building rapport and communicating with claims managers. Exercise & Sports Science Australia | Dr Isabel King on Linkedin The Intelligent Rebellion | Rhea on Linkedin Recorded on 9 February 2026 at Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Copyright Notice This production is brought to you by Threesticks Productions, Rhea Mercado HQ and The Intelligent Rebellion in collaboration with Exercise & Sports Science Australia. Copyright Threesticks Pty Ltd, Rhea Mercado, The Intelligent Rebellion THE BIG PRINT - DISCLAIMER The contents of this program / podcast is made available for entertainment purposes. The views and information expressed by the Guests of the program represents the view and opinions of the Guest and does not necessarily represent the view or opinions of Rhea Mercado® and/or Threesticks Pty Ltd. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any other professional rehabilitation advice, injury management advice, rehabilitation advice, medical advice, legal advice, financial advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advice which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances and specific needs. Rhea Mercado® and Threesticks Pty Ltd hereby disclaims any and all liability to any part for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is and without warranties.