California processed 201,037 IMR applications in 2025 and overturned just 10.2% of UR decisions, down from 12.7% the prior year. The California Medical Association covered the DWC report in May.
The signal is directional. Most UR decisions in California hold up under independent review, which means the day-to-day work is largely defensible. The real opportunity sits in the 10.2% that flip. They cluster around documentation gaps, missed exceptions, and pharmacy formulary disputes that account for roughly 31% of all IMR activity.
Atlas audits its own overturned cases quarterly. That practice surfaces recurring gaps and closes them before they show up in next year's report. Fewer disputes, faster treatment, less litigation exposure for employers.
How often does your UR program review its own overturned decisions?
Source: CMADocs, Workers' Comp Independent Medical Review Report Released for 2026
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