Bloom Magazine sat down with Mari Diaz, Co Founder of OM, who has spent over 20 years working with physicians in the workers’ compensation industry. In this exclusive interview, Mari shares why OM is taking a stand against misinformation and how OM doctors are committed to quality care, not overutilization.
Bloom Magazine: Mari, you’ve been in the workers’ compensation industry for decades. What led you to start OM?
Mari Diaz: Honestly, we saw a huge problem that needed to be fixed. OM started in 2004 when my husband, Ozzy, and I realized there was a major disconnect between the key players in workers’ comp: doctors, employers, and insurance companies.
Doctors were great at treating injured workers but struggled with the paperwork required to navigate the system. At the same time, employers and insurance companies were having difficulty finding the right doctors, the ones who truly understood workers’ comp and could handle cases efficiently without unnecessary delays.
We knew something had to change. OM was built to bridge that gap. We made it our mission to support doctors so they could focus on what they do best, treating injured workers, while also making sure employers and insurance carriers had access to the most qualified, ethical, and WorkCompReady doctors.
As OM grew, we developed the WorkCompReady certification in 2010, giving doctors the right training and tools to handle workers’ comp cases correctly. We also launched the OM Directory, a trusted resource that connects employers, adjusters, case managers, and attorneys with the right doctors.
Bloom Magazine: There’s been a lot of talk about how doctors are responding to changes in reimbursement rates. Some say physicians are increasing services, maximizing coding, or opting out of networks to offset financial challenges. What’s your take on that?
Mari Diaz: "Look, I’ll be honest. Some doctors do operate that way, and I understand why people are concerned. But let’s be very clear. Not all doctors are the same, and that is not how the doctors OM represents operate.
Our doctors are not looking for ways to game the system. It is frustrating to see dedicated physicians being accused unfairly, and that is exactly why I am speaking up.
We are standing up for these physicians because they deserve to be recognized for doing things the right way. They provide the care injured workers need without unnecessary treatments or inflated billing. I am not denying that some doctors engage in overutilization, but I can say with certainty that the doctors we represent do not.
The doctors we work with are committed to quality patient care. They follow the rules, provide necessary treatment, and do what is right for the injured workers they treat. They deserve to be recognized for their integrity, not unfairly criticized.
Bloom Magazine: Why do you feel it is important to speak up about this issue now?
Mari Diaz: "Because misinformation is dangerous. It damages the reputation of good doctors and makes it harder for employers and claims professionals to trust the physicians who are genuinely committed to providing the best care for their patients.
If people believe that all doctors are taking advantage of workers’ comp, what happens? More red tape. More restrictions. More hoops for doctors to jump through. And in the end, it is the injured workers who suffer the most because their care gets delayed, denied, or tangled up in unnecessary bureaucracy.
Bloom Magazine: What makes the doctors in OM’s panel different?
Mari Diaz: "The doctors we work with are some of the most experienced, ethical, and WorkCompReady physicians in the industry. They do not engage in overutilization or billing manipulation. They follow strict industry standards, ensuring injured workers receive the right care without unnecessary treatments or delays. Every doctor in our network is WorkCompReady certified, meaning they have specialized training in workers’ compensation best practices, comply with all regulations, and provide efficient, high-quality care. We actively monitor utilization to prevent overuse, uphold fair and transparent billing, and streamline communication to keep cases moving.
Our doctors are committed to doing things the right way, ensuring timely treatment, accurate paperwork, and a seamless process for employers, payers, and injured workers.
Bloom Magazine: With everything happening in workers’ comp, what’s next for OM?
We are going to keep doing what we do best, ensuring that employers are connected to the best doctors and working closely with them to build provider panels made up of the most qualified physicians. We have clear metrics in place to guarantee high-quality care, strong patient outcomes, and cost-effective solutions. Our direct agreements ensure that physicians are fairly compensated for their expertise while making sure injured workers receive the right treatment to recover and return to work as quickly and safely as possible. We remain strong advocates for our doctors, ensuring they are recognized, valued, and supported in delivering the best care and outcomes for injured workers..
Bloom Magazine: Any final thoughts?
Mari Diaz: "It is time to change the conversation.
Instead of questioning the doctors who are doing things right, we need to focus on addressing the real challenges. Employers deserve clarity, injured workers deserve timely care, and doctors who follow best practices deserve recognition, not assumptions.
That is why I am speaking up. It is essential to highlight the doctors who are truly committed to providing the best care for injured workers. We will continue to stand for truth, fairness, and real solutions to ensure that every injured worker has access to the highest quality doctors and the care they deserve."
Bloom Magazine: Thank you, Mari, for setting the record straight.
"Reimbursement cuts are a challenge, but assumptions are not the answer. Our doctors put patient care first and focus on real solutions that benefit everyone."
— Mari Diaz, Co-Founder of OM
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