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.

Dr Isabel King, Policy and Advocacy Advisor at Exercise &amp; 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.&nbsp;
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 &ldquo;scheme literacy&rdquo; alongside evidence-based care: translating clinical measures into functional work capacity, aligning goals to certificates of capacity, &ldquo;bundling goals,&rdquo; &ldquo;consistently creeping capacity,&rdquo; reducing weekly benefits by increasing work capacity, and proactively building rapport and communicating with claims managers.
<a href="https://www.essa.org.au/">Exercise &amp; Sports Science Australia</a> | Dr Isabel King on <a href="https://au.linkedin.com/in/drisabelking">Linkedin</a>
<a href="https://www.theintelligentrebellion.com">The Intelligent Rebellion</a> | Rhea on <a href="https://au.linkedin.com/in/rheamercs">Linkedin</a>
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 &amp; 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&reg; 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&reg; 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.

Step into the world of The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast, your gateway to a brighter tomorrow! Join us as we embark on a transformative journey, led by Rhea Mercado, a Healthcare Humanist, Speaker, and Author who fearlessly challenges the status quo within corporate corridors, paving the way for diverse voices to shine.

In this podcast series, Rhea engages in enlightening conversations with a circle of trusted friends and esteemed colleagues to drop truth bombs, share heartfelt stories, and profound reflections on their individual paths, all while envisioning a better world. Our candid and thought-provoking discussions are a refreshing departure from the ordinary. They transcend the boundaries of convention, swiftly evolving into dynamic dialogues about life's intricacies, the world of work, maintaining optimal health, navigating ethical dilemmas, embracing failure, and reveling in the sheer beauty of humanity. Subscribe to access premium content and extended episodes.

These conversations are more than just words; they are a testament to personal rebellions, as we collectively challenge established norms and celebrate the values of compassion, boundless optimism, unbridled creativity, and the limitless power of imagination. Join us in the rebellion for a brighter, more inclusive future.

There are profanities, fart jokes and major gaffes and some topics discussed could be triggering to some, so please use your own discretion.

Follow us at:  The Intelligent Rebellion | Instagram | Linkedin

Find Rhea: Rhea Mercado | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Bits & Pieces: The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast is a Threesticks Production | Producer & Host: Rhea Mercado | Emperor of Sound, Original Music, and Executive Producer: Wills. Copyright 2022 Rhea Mercado®.

Rhea Mercado and the team who produce the The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which the podcast is recorded. We are located on the land of the Dharug people. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to the Elders past, present and emerging.

Disclaimer to cover our butt: 

The content 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 medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advise which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances.

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.

Copyright 2026 Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado®

Step into the world of <a href="https://www.theintelligentrebellion.com">The Intelligent Rebellion</a> Podcast, your gateway to a brighter tomorrow! Join us as we embark on a transformative journey, led by <a href="https://www.rheamercado.com.au">Rhea Mercado</a>, a Healthcare Humanist, Speaker, and Author who fearlessly challenges the status quo within corporate corridors, paving the way for diverse voices to shine.
In this podcast series, Rhea engages in enlightening conversations with a circle of trusted friends and esteemed colleagues to drop truth bombs, share heartfelt stories, and profound reflections on their individual paths, all while envisioning a better world. Our candid and thought-provoking discussions are a refreshing departure from the ordinary. They transcend the boundaries of convention, swiftly evolving into dynamic dialogues about life's intricacies, the world of work, maintaining optimal health, navigating ethical dilemmas, embracing failure, and reveling in the sheer beauty of humanity. <a href="https://rheamercado.substack.com/">Subscribe</a> to access premium content and extended episodes.
These conversations are more than just words; they are a testament to personal rebellions, as we collectively challenge established norms and celebrate the values of compassion, boundless optimism, unbridled creativity, and the limitless power of imagination. Join us in the rebellion for a brighter, more inclusive future.
There are profanities, fart jokes and major gaffes and some topics discussed could be triggering to some, so please use your own discretion.
Follow us at:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theintelligentrebellion.com/">The Intelligent Rebellion</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/intelligent.rebellion/">Instagram</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="linkedin.com/company/the-intelligent-rebellion">Linkedin</a>
Find Rhea:&nbsp;<a href="https://bio.site/rheamercado">Rhea Mercado</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rheamercs/">LinkedIn</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/rheamercs">Instagram</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/rheamercs">Facebook</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/rheamercs">Twitter</a>
Bits &amp; Pieces: The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast is a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.threesticks.com.au/">Threesticks</a>&nbsp;Production | Producer &amp; Host:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rheamercado.com/">Rhea Mercado</a>&nbsp;| Emperor of Sound, Original Music, and Executive Producer: Wills. Copyright 2022 Rhea Mercado&reg;.
Rhea Mercado and the team who produce the The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which the podcast is recorded. We are located on the land of the Dharug people. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to the Elders past, present and emerging.
Disclaimer to cover our butt:&nbsp;
The content 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&reg; and/or Threesticks Pty Ltd. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any other professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advise which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances.
Rhea Mercado &reg; 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.
Copyright 2026 Threesticks Pty Ltd &amp; Rhea Mercado&reg;

Exploring businesses which celebrate compassion, optimism, imagination and humanity.

The Intelligent Rebellion

Welcome to The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast a platform dedicated to amplifying voices and fostering a shared vision for a brighter future. Hosted by Rhea Mercado, Healthcare Humanist and Speaker  leading The Intelligent Rebellion. Our mission is to challenge traditional hierarchies and cultivate inclusive spaces where professionals can boldly express their ideas and contribute to a better world.

The Intelligent Rebellion is not just a think tank; it's a vibrant community driven by the desire to inspire, explore, connect, and encourage individuals to speak up and shape a more promising future.

To fulfill our mission, we rely on the rich diversity of minds like yours. Your stories, experiences, thoughts, and ideas are invaluable to us. Together, we form a resilient community founded on collective knowledge. If you're passionate about rehumanizing, uniting, and rejuvenating our industries, we extend a warm invitation for you to become a part of The Intelligent Rebellion movement. Join The Intelligent Rebellion.

Find us at:  The Intelligent Rebellion | Instagram

Find Rhea: Rhea Mercado | LinkedIn | Instagram

Bits & Pieces: The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast is a Threesticks Production | Producer & Host: Rhea Mercado | Emperor of Sound and Original Music: Wills

Copyright 2023 Rhea Mercado®

Acknowledgement of Country: Rhea Mercado and the team who produce the The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which the podcast is recorded. We are located on the land of the Dharug people. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to the Elders past, present and emerging.


Disclaimer to cover our butt: 

The content of this program / podcast is made available for entertainment purposes, are opinions and should not been seen as indisputable.  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 medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advise which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances.

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.

Welcome to <a href="https://www.theintelligentrebellion.com/podcast">The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast</a> a platform dedicated to amplifying voices and fostering a shared vision for a brighter future. Hosted by <a href="https://www.rheamercado.com">Rhea Mercado</a>, Healthcare Humanist and Speaker  leading The Intelligent Rebellion. Our mission is to challenge traditional hierarchies and cultivate inclusive spaces where professionals can boldly express their ideas and contribute to a better world.
The Intelligent Rebellion is not just a think tank; it's a vibrant community driven by the desire to inspire, explore, connect, and encourage individuals to speak up and shape a more promising future.
To fulfill our mission, we rely on the rich diversity of minds like yours. Your stories, experiences, thoughts, and ideas are invaluable to us. Together, we form a resilient community founded on collective knowledge. If you're passionate about rehumanizing, uniting, and rejuvenating our industries, we extend a warm invitation for you to become a part of The Intelligent Rebellion movement. <a href="https://rheamercado.substack.com/">Join The Intelligent Rebellion</a>.
Find us at:  <a href="https://www.theintelligentrebellion.com/">The Intelligent Rebellion</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/intelligent.rebellion/">Instagram</a>
Find Rhea: <a href="https://bio.site/rheamercado">Rhea Mercado</a> | <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rheamercs/">LinkedIn</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rheamercs">Instagram</a>
Bits &amp; Pieces: The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast is a <a href="http://www.threesticks.com.au/">Threesticks</a> Production | Producer &amp; Host: <a href="http://www.rheamercado.com/">Rhea Mercado</a> | Emperor of Sound and Original Music: Wills
Copyright 2023 Rhea Mercado®
Acknowledgement of Country: Rhea Mercado and the team who produce the The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which the podcast is recorded. We are located on the land of the Dharug people. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to the Elders past, present and emerging.
 Disclaimer to cover our butt: 
The content of this program / podcast is made available for entertainment purposes, are opinions and should not been seen as indisputable.  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 medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advise which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances.
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.

Navigating Workers Compensation with Dr. Isabel King and Rhea Mercado | The Intelligent Rebellion.

Navigating Workers Compensation by The Intelligent Rebellion

Dr Isabel King, Policy and Advocacy Advisor at Exercise & Sports Science Australia, interviews Rhea Mercado, an exercise physiologist with over 21 years of experience in workers' compensation, to unpack the recent New South Wales Workers' Compensation reforms and what they mean for exercise physiologists on the ground.

Rhea cuts through the noise with clarity and warmth, breaking down why reform was necessary, what's actually changed, and most importantly, EPs can not just survive but genuinely thrive within the updated scheme.

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.

Copyright Notice

This video 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

Dr Isabel King, Policy and Advocacy Advisor at Exercise &amp; Sports Science Australia, interviews Rhea Mercado, an exercise physiologist with over 21 years of experience in workers' compensation, to unpack the recent New South Wales Workers' Compensation reforms and what they mean for exercise physiologists on the ground.
Rhea cuts through the noise with clarity and warmth, breaking down why reform was necessary, what's actually changed, and most importantly, EPs can not just survive but genuinely thrive within the updated scheme.
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 &ldquo;scheme literacy&rdquo; alongside evidence-based care: translating clinical measures into functional work capacity, aligning goals to certificates of capacity, &ldquo;bundling goals,&rdquo; &ldquo;consistently creeping capacity,&rdquo; reducing weekly benefits by increasing work capacity, and proactively building rapport and communicating with claims managers.
Copyright Notice
This video is brought to you by Threesticks Productions, Rhea Mercado HQ and The Intelligent Rebellion in collaboration with Exercise &amp; Sports Science Australia. Copyright Threesticks Pty Ltd, Rhea Mercado, The Intelligent Rebellion

Dive into the latest New South Wales Workers Compensation reforms with Dr. Isabel King & Rhea Mercado! 🩺💼 Discover how exercise physiologists can thrive and demonstrate their value. Tune in for insights on scheme literacy, early intervention, and more! 

Trailer: Navigating Workers Compensation with Dr. Isabel King and Rhea Mercado

This is part 2 of Navigating Workers Compensation with Dr Isabel King, Policy and Advocacy Advisor at Exercise & Sports Science Australia, interviews Rhea Mercado, an exercise physiologist with over 21 years of experience in workers' compensation, to unpack the recent New South Wales Workers' Compensation reforms and what they mean for exercise physiologists on the ground.

Rhea cuts through the noise with clarity and warmth, breaking down why reform was necessary, what's actually changed, and most importantly, EPs can not just survive but genuinely thrive within the updated scheme.

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.

Part 1:

00:00 ESSA Dr Isabel King x Rhea Mercado NSW Workers Compensation Reforms

00:09 Introduction

01:58 Why reform was needed

04:36 What are the changes?

05:54 Scheme Literacy

06:50 How to Navigate the System

08:57 Translating your clinical findings

09:30 Provisional Liability for Psychological Claims

 

Part 2 delves into:

12:01 Tighter Definitions for Psychological Injury

12:47 Tip: Look at the Certificate of Capacity

15:09 Bundling Goals & Consistently Creeping Capacity

16:24 How EPs demonstrate their value

19:02 Claims Managers are Humans Too 

21:14 Developing Trust and Rapport

24:07 The Mindset Shift

26:06 Closing and Thanks

 

This is part 2 of Navigating Workers Compensation with Dr Isabel King, Policy and Advocacy Advisor at Exercise &amp; Sports Science Australia, interviews Rhea Mercado, an exercise physiologist with over 21 years of experience in workers' compensation, to unpack the recent New South Wales Workers' Compensation reforms and what they mean for exercise physiologists on the ground.
Rhea cuts through the noise with clarity and warmth, breaking down why reform was necessary, what's actually changed, and most importantly, EPs can not just survive but genuinely thrive within the updated scheme.
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 &ldquo;scheme literacy&rdquo; alongside evidence-based care: translating clinical measures into functional work capacity, aligning goals to certificates of capacity, &ldquo;bundling goals,&rdquo; &ldquo;consistently creeping capacity,&rdquo; reducing weekly benefits by increasing work capacity, and proactively building rapport and communicating with claims managers.
Part 1:
00:00 ESSA Dr Isabel King x Rhea Mercado NSW Workers Compensation Reforms
00:09 Introduction
01:58 Why reform was needed
04:36 What are the changes?
05:54 Scheme Literacy
06:50 How to Navigate the System
08:57 Translating your clinical findings
09:30 Provisional Liability for Psychological Claims
&nbsp;
Part 2 delves into:
12:01 Tighter Definitions for Psychological Injury
12:47 Tip: Look at the Certificate of Capacity
15:09 Bundling Goals &amp; Consistently Creeping Capacity
16:24 How EPs demonstrate their value
19:02 Claims Managers are Humans Too&nbsp;
21:14 Developing Trust and Rapport
24:07 The Mindset Shift
26:06 Closing and Thanks
&nbsp;

Part 2: Navigating Workers Compensation with Dr. Isabel King and Rhea Mercado

In this episode, Dr Isabel King, Policy and Advocacy Advisor at Exercise & Sports Science Australia, interviews Rhea Mercado, an exercise physiologist with over 21 years of experience in workers' compensation, to unpack the recent New South Wales Workers' Compensation reforms and what they mean for exercise physiologists on the ground.

Rhea cuts through the noise with clarity and warmth, breaking down why reform was necessary, what's actually changed, and most importantly, EPs can not just survive but genuinely thrive within the updated scheme.

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.

00:00 ESSA Dr Isabel King x Rhea Mercado NSW Workers Compensation Reforms

00:09 Introduction

01:58 Why reform was needed

04:36 What are the changes?

05:54 Scheme Literacy

06:50 How to Navigate the System

08:57 Translating your clinical findings

09:30 Provisional Liability for Psychological Claims

 

Part 2 delves into:

12:01 Tighter Definitions for Psychological Injury

12:47 Tip: Look at the Certificate of Capacity

15:09 Bundling Goals & Consistently Creeping Capacity

16:24 How EPs demonstrate their value

19:02 Claims Managers are Humans Too 

21:14 Developing Trust and Rapport

24:07 The Mindset Shift

26:06 Closing and Thanks

 

In this episode, Dr Isabel King, Policy and Advocacy Advisor at Exercise &amp; Sports Science Australia, interviews Rhea Mercado, an exercise physiologist with over 21 years of experience in workers' compensation, to unpack the recent New South Wales Workers' Compensation reforms and what they mean for exercise physiologists on the ground.
Rhea cuts through the noise with clarity and warmth, breaking down why reform was necessary, what's actually changed, and most importantly, EPs can not just survive but genuinely thrive within the updated scheme.
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 &ldquo;scheme literacy&rdquo; alongside evidence-based care: translating clinical measures into functional work capacity, aligning goals to certificates of capacity, &ldquo;bundling goals,&rdquo; &ldquo;consistently creeping capacity,&rdquo; reducing weekly benefits by increasing work capacity, and proactively building rapport and communicating with claims managers.
00:00 ESSA Dr Isabel King x Rhea Mercado NSW Workers Compensation Reforms
00:09 Introduction
01:58 Why reform was needed
04:36 What are the changes?
05:54 Scheme Literacy
06:50 How to Navigate the System
08:57 Translating your clinical findings
09:30 Provisional Liability for Psychological Claims
&nbsp;
Part 2 delves into:
12:01 Tighter Definitions for Psychological Injury
12:47 Tip: Look at the Certificate of Capacity
15:09 Bundling Goals &amp; Consistently Creeping Capacity
16:24 How EPs demonstrate their value
19:02 Claims Managers are Humans Too&nbsp;
21:14 Developing Trust and Rapport
24:07 The Mindset Shift
26:06 Closing and Thanks
&nbsp;

Part 1: Navigating Workers Compensation with Dr. Isabel King and Rhea Mercado

This is a short from "Navigating Workers Compensation with Dr. Isabel King and Rhea Mercado"

Dr Isabel King and Rhea Mercado discuss communicating with Claims Managers in Workers Compensation. Case managers are doing a very difficult job and the role of clinicians should adjust their language and reporting to match scheme needs, noting that technical measures like degrees of flexion may not be meaningful to a claims manager.

The conversation highlights the scrutiny claims managers face including decisions and reports may be litigated, phone calls recorded and reviewed, and large volumes of requests assessed against regulations and policies. The key takeaway is for Eps to help claims managers make decisions by writing in understandable language and maintaining direct communication.

00:00 Case Managers

00:07 Case / Claims Managers

Copyright Notice

This video 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

This is a short from "Navigating Workers Compensation with Dr. Isabel King and Rhea Mercado"
Dr Isabel King and Rhea Mercado discuss communicating with Claims Managers in Workers Compensation. Case managers are doing a very difficult job and the role of clinicians should adjust their language and reporting to match scheme needs, noting that technical measures like degrees of flexion may not be meaningful to a claims manager.
The conversation highlights the scrutiny claims managers face including decisions and reports may be litigated, phone calls recorded and reviewed, and large volumes of requests assessed against regulations and policies. The key takeaway is for Eps to help claims managers make decisions by writing in understandable language and maintaining direct communication.
00:00 Case Managers
00:07 Case / Claims Managers
Copyright Notice
This video is brought to you by Threesticks Productions, Rhea Mercado HQ and The Intelligent Rebellion in collaboration with Exercise &amp; Sports Science Australia. Copyright Threesticks Pty Ltd, Rhea Mercado, The Intelligent Rebellion

Shorts: Claims Managers are Humans Too

This is a short from "Navigating Workers Compensation with Dr. Isabel King and Rhea Mercado"

Scheme Literacy: Translating Clinical Evidence for Workers Compensation Decisions

Dr Isabel King and Rhea Mercado discuss reframing what “evidence” means in workers’ compensation, emphasising that it is used for liability and approval decisions rather than only clinical research. They note that clinical care and compensation scheme decision-making run in parallel, creating complexity. They define being “scheme literate” as understanding how clinicians make treatment plans and reports and how these are interpreted within the compensation framework, including interpreting outcome measures and communicating them effectively. An example is provided where reporting 110 degrees of shoulder flexion is less useful than explaining how that measurement translates to functional capacity, such as performing overhead work, in a workers’ compensation-friendly message.

00:00 Evidence Reframed

00:16 Parallel Decisions

00:31 Scheme Literacy Basics

00:47 Outcome Measures Translation

00:52 Shoulder Flexion Example

Navigating Workers Compensation with Dr. Isabel King and Rhea Mercado

Copyright Notice

This video 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

This is a short from "Navigating Workers Compensation with Dr. Isabel King and Rhea Mercado"
Scheme Literacy: Translating Clinical Evidence for Workers Compensation Decisions
Dr Isabel King and Rhea Mercado discuss reframing what &ldquo;evidence&rdquo; means in workers&rsquo; compensation, emphasising that it is used for liability and approval decisions rather than only clinical research. They note that clinical care and compensation scheme decision-making run in parallel, creating complexity. They define being &ldquo;scheme literate&rdquo; as understanding how clinicians make treatment plans and reports and how these are interpreted within the compensation framework, including interpreting outcome measures and communicating them effectively. An example is provided where reporting 110 degrees of shoulder flexion is less useful than explaining how that measurement translates to functional capacity, such as performing overhead work, in a workers&rsquo; compensation-friendly message.
00:00 Evidence Reframed
00:16 Parallel Decisions
00:31 Scheme Literacy Basics
00:47 Outcome Measures Translation
00:52 Shoulder Flexion Example
Navigating Workers Compensation with Dr. Isabel King and Rhea Mercado
Copyright Notice
This video is brought to you by Threesticks Productions, Rhea Mercado HQ and The Intelligent Rebellion in collaboration with Exercise &amp; Sports Science Australia. Copyright Threesticks Pty Ltd, Rhea Mercado, The Intelligent Rebellion

Shorts: Scheme Literacy for Clinicians in Workers Compensation

Demonstrating Exercise Physiology Value Through Scheme Literacy and Return-to-Work Outcomes

Rhea and Isabel discuss how exercise physiologists and ESSA members can better demonstrate their value in early intervention within the New South Wales workers compensation system to avoid being sidelined. Rhea emphasises that while stakeholders may want clearer economic value supported by improved data collection, in the meantime professionals can show value by building “scheme literacy” and understanding cost drivers. The speaker explains that the most expensive part of a claim is weekly benefits paid when someone is off work or on reduced duties, and that increasing a person’s functional capacity to return to work—even for a few hours a day—reduces these benefits and overall claim costs. Clinicians should link treatment plans to measurable work capacity improvements, showing progression from no capacity to suitable duties, which strengthens their case with doctors and claims managers.

00:00 How can EPs demonstrate their value - Navigating NSW Workers Compensation Reforms with Dr. Isabel King and Rhea Mercado

00:02 How EPs can demonstrate their value


This is a clip from: Navigating Workers Compensation with Dr. Isabel King and Rhea Mercado

Copyright Notice

This video and audio 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

Demonstrating Exercise Physiology Value Through Scheme Literacy and Return-to-Work Outcomes
Rhea and Isabel discuss how exercise physiologists and ESSA members can better demonstrate their value in early intervention within the New South Wales workers compensation system to avoid being sidelined. Rhea emphasises that while stakeholders may want clearer economic value supported by improved data collection, in the meantime professionals can show value by building &ldquo;scheme literacy&rdquo; and understanding cost drivers. The speaker explains that the most expensive part of a claim is weekly benefits paid when someone is off work or on reduced duties, and that increasing a person&rsquo;s functional capacity to return to work&mdash;even for a few hours a day&mdash;reduces these benefits and overall claim costs. Clinicians should link treatment plans to measurable work capacity improvements, showing progression from no capacity to suitable duties, which strengthens their case with doctors and claims managers.
00:00 How can EPs demonstrate their value - Navigating NSW Workers Compensation Reforms with Dr. Isabel King and Rhea Mercado
00:02 How EPs can demonstrate their value
 This is a clip from: Navigating Workers Compensation with Dr. Isabel King and Rhea Mercado
Copyright Notice
This video and audio is brought to you by Threesticks Productions, Rhea Mercado HQ and The Intelligent Rebellion in collaboration with Exercise &amp; Sports Science Australia. Copyright Threesticks Pty Ltd, Rhea Mercado, The Intelligent Rebellion

Navigating Workers Compensation by The Intelligent Rebellion

Follow the podcast:

6 clip(s) in playlist