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What happens when Medicare and multiple liens enter the claim, and how do you navigate them without derailing resolution?

In this episode of Deconstructing Comp, Yvonne Guibert and Rafael Gonzalez talk with John Cattie, managing partner of Cattie and Gonzalez, PLLC. The conversation focuses on Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) compliance and the broader landscape of federal lien resolution in workers’ compensation claims.

Together, they explore the key components of MSP through the lens of lien management, diving into the different types of federal liens that can arise and how they shape settlement strategy. The discussion centers on the practical challenges of identifying, navigating, and resolving multiple reimbursement interests—an area where confusion and delays often occur in real-world claim handling.

John shares practical insights on common missteps, from overlooking lien exposure to mismanaging repayment obligations, and how claims professionals and attorneys can more effectively navigate these complexities to avoid delays and unintended consequences. He highlights key federal lien types, including Medicare, the Veterans Administration, and TRICARE, while reinforcing the importance of identifying other potential reimbursement interests that may impact settlement.

Tune in for a grounded perspective on a complex and often challenging topic (this one made Yvonne’s head hurt), helping listeners better understand how to approach Medicare’s role and lien resolution within the broader claims process.

At the end of the episode, John shares fun facts about his favorite pastime, Fantasy Football, and tells us about the sports photos on his wall. Steve Garvey is the Padres baseball player Yvonne could not remember.

For more information about federal liens in workers' compensation, contact John Cattie or Rafael Gonzalez at Cattie and Gonzalez, PLLC.

¡Muchas Gracias! Thank you for listening. We would appreciate you sharing our podcast with your friends on social media. Find Yvonne and Rafael on Linked In or follow us on Twitter @deconstructcomp

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In this episode of Deconstructing Comp, what was intended to be a conversation about when substance use is considered industrial… turned into a much deeper exploration of how, and why, care in workers’ compensation often breaks down.

Yvonne and Rafael talk to Dr. Tomer Anbar and Dr. Ramsey Ali and enjoy a powerful, layered conversation that challenges how we think about care in workers’ compensation.

Dr. Anbar takes us back to the origins of the workers' compensation system: why it was created, how it was structured, and where the “architecture of care” has started to break down over time. He reframes workers’ compensation not just as a set of rules and processes, but as a living ecosystem that requires alignment between medical care, human behavior, and system design.

A central theme emerges throughout the conversation: we need to stop chasing a diagnosis! Dr. Anbar says,

“At some point, we have to stop chasing the diagnosis and start treating the human in front of us.”

Anbar suggests that instead of focusing solely on labeling conditions, we should shift toward a better understanding of function, behavior, and the full biopsychosocial picture driving recovery, or the lack of it.

Dr. Ali builds on this foundation with a deep dive into PTSD and substance use disorders (SUD) in the workers’ compensation setting; two conditions that are often misunderstood, underdiagnosed, or treated in isolation. Dr. Anbar explains how this contributes to disability and unnecessary epidemics. Together, they explore how these conditions intersect, how delayed recovery takes hold, and why fragmented care models often miss what matters most.

Dr. Anbar also introduces the concept of psychoneuroimmunology, highlighting the connection between the mind, nervous system, and immune response, and reinforcing the idea that recovery is complex, dynamic, and deeply human.

This episode invites listeners to think differently about causation, complexity, and the human experience behind every claim, and challenges the industry to move beyond diagnosis-driven thinking toward a more integrated, evidence-based, and human-centered approach.

Dr. Anbar references a recent article in PRIMA Public Risk Magazine titled, How Risk and Claims Leadership Are Reversing the PTSD and Disability Crisis Among First Responders.

Yvonne mentions a recent Institutes of Health webinar titled When Substance Use is Industrial.

¡Muchas Gracias! Thank you for listening. We would appreciate you sharing our podcast with your friends on social media. Find Yvonne and Rafael on Linked In or follow us on Twitter @deconstructcomp

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In this episode of Deconstructing Comp, Yvonne Guibert and Rafael Gonzalez talk with Liva Rivera, Chief Communications Officer at Hamilton, Miller, and Birthisel Law Firm, for a lively conversation about the power of social media in building relationships, expanding professional networks, and supporting mentorship within the workers’ compensation community.

Liva shares how platforms like LinkedIn have evolved from simple professional profiles into powerful tools for connection. Rather than approaching social media with a rigid strategy, she explains how authenticity, curiosity, and consistency have helped her build meaningful relationships across the industry. What began as casual online engagement eventually led to real-world collaborations, friendships, and opportunities, demonstrating that the workers’ compensation community is often much smaller and more connected than people realize.

The conversation also explores the human side of social media. Liva discusses how showing up online can sometimes invite criticism or skepticism, but she encourages professionals not to let that stop them from participating. Social media, when used thoughtfully, can amplify voices, foster mentorship, and help newer professionals find their place in the industry. For those who feel unsure about posting or engaging, Liva offers a refreshing perspective: you don’t need a perfectly curated plan, just start joining the conversation.

Yvonne, Rafael, and Liva also dive into the importance of mentorship and community, highlighting how social platforms can bridge generational gaps and help emerging leaders connect with experienced professionals. Whether it’s sharing insights, celebrating successes, or simply supporting each other’s work, these digital spaces can strengthen the professional fabric of our industry.

If you’ve ever wondered how to use social media in a way that feels genuine, productive, and relationship-driven, this episode offers practical insights and plenty of inspiration.

We talked about Rise Professionals on the episode. Be sure to check out their website and their 2026 Annual Leadership Summit under events.

¡Muchas Gracias! Thank you for listening. We would appreciate you sharing our podcast with your friends on social media. Find Yvonne and Rafael on Linked In or follow us on Twitter @deconstructcomp