Not All Doctors Are the Same

When It Comes to Treating Injured Workers — If You’re Responsible for Coordinating Care, This Is a Must-Read!

Referring an injured worker to the right doctor can make all the difference. It impacts the quality of care, how smoothly the case progresses, and how quickly the employee can return to work. Still, many referrals are made based on insurance lists or habit. This can lead to major delays and prevent the injured worker from getting the proper care they need.

For over 20 years, OM has been a trusted source for employers, carriers, adjusters, and case managers when they need to find doctors who are not only experienced but also understand the specific administrative requirements that come with treating injured workers. At the center of this is the WorkCompReady Certification. It was created by OM to ensure the doctors they represent are prepared, responsive, and trusted.

We sat down with Mari Diaz, one of the founders of OM, to talk about how OM works, what sets their doctors apart, and why choosing the right doctor matters more than ever.

Bloom Magazine: Mari, for over 20 years, OM has played such a key role in helping employers and insurance professionals find doctors who actually understand workers’ comp. For those who aren’t familiar, can you explain what OM does?

Mari Diaz: Of course. At OM, we represent a vetted panel of doctors across the country who specialize in treating injured workers. Every doctor on our panel is WorkCompReady Certified, which means they’ve gone through specific training to understand the documentation process and administrative side of workers’ comp. They know what’s expected, and they always prioritize the patient’s care above everything else. One thing I always like to clarify is that we’re not a network. And we’re not a case management company. Sometimes people get confused, so I think it’s important to say that up front. Our services are completely free. We act as an extension of the doctor’s office, and you’ll never receive a bill from OM. Our job is to help make the referral process easier, faster, and more reliable for everyone involved.

Bloom Magazine: That makes so much sense. A lot of referrals are made just by choosing a name off a list. Why can that be a problem?

Mari Diaz: That’s such an important point. Just because a doctor is listed in a network doesn’t mean they’re experienced in workers’ comp. It doesn’t mean they know how to document correctly, communicate clearly, or follow through in a timely way. It just means they’re on a list. But the doctor you choose matters. Their level of experience and understanding can completely shape the outcome of the case, from how well the injured worker recovers to how fast they can get back to work. That’s why using OM is different. You’re not just getting a name. You’re getting a doctor who’s been trained, certified, and who truly understands what’s at stake.

Bloom Magazine: What are some of the benefits of referring to a WorkCompReady Certified doctor?

Mari Diaz: There are quite a few, but here are some of the most important:

• Experience and Expertise: Our doctors are highly credentialed and have years of experience specifically in workers’ compensation. They know what it takes to deliver the best outcomes.

• Clear Communication: Our doctors understand how important it is to keep everyone informed. They’re responsive, timely, and accessible, which makes all the difference in moving a case forward.

• Accurate and Early Diagnosis: They focus on getting the diagnosis right as early as possible and using the least invasive treatments when appropriate, which helps support faster recoveries.

• Process Mastery: They know the timelines, the forms, and what’s expected from a compliance standpoint. That level of awareness helps prevent delays and missteps.

• Patient-Centered Care: No matter who the payor is, our doctors are focused on the patient. They want the injured worker to heal, feel supported, and return to work safely and confidently.

• Bloom Magazine: And if someone wants to get started with OM, what should they do?

  
  

  Mari Diaz: Just send us an email at help@ommktg.com. That’s really all it takes. Tell us what you need, a specialist, a STAT appointment, records, anything, and our team will take it from there. It’s quick, easy, and again, completely free. We’re here to support the process and make sure you’re working with the right doctors from the start.

  
  

  Bloom Magazine: Before we wrap up, any final thoughts for our readers?

  
  

  Mari Diaz: Just a reminder that the doctor you refer to truly matters. It directly impacts the care the injured worker receives, how quickly they recover, and how smoothly the case moves forward. Choosing a name off a list doesn’t guarantee the right care. It’s important to make sure the doctor you’re referring to understands the workers’ comp process, has the proper administrative knowledge, and that their office staff is trained as well. That’s why I always say, please make sure they are WorkCompReady Certified. You can go to our directory, and if they’re on that list, you can feel confident knowing they’ll have a designation that says WorkCompReady Certified.

  
  
  
  

  What stood out most in our conversation with Mari Diaz is how important it is not to choose a doctor off a list without knowing whether they are truly qualified. A name alone does not guarantee the doctor understands workers’ compensation or has a team trained to support the process. That is exactly why the OM Directory was created. Every doctor listed as WorkCompReady Certified has been vetted, trained, and trusted to care for injured workers the right way. Use the OM Directory and feel confident knowing the doctors you choose are WorkCompReady Certified, and that you have the OM team supporting you every step of the way. Communication is streamlined, and the entire service is provided at no cost.

  
  

  DON’T RISK SENDING YOUR INJURED WORKER TO THE WRONG DOCTOR”

  
  

  -MARI DIAZ, CO-FOUNDER OF OM