If you are struggling with a serious medical condition that prevents you from working, you may be considering filing for long-term disability (“LTD”) benefits. But one of the biggest challenges in the process—before a single form is even filed—is figuring out how to talk to your doctor about it.
As a law firm that specializes in disability insurance claims, we get asked all the time: “How do I approach my doctor about going out on disability?”
This is a tough and emotionally charged conversation to have. You and your doctor have likely been working together for months or even years on treatment plans, medicine dosages, pain management and symptom coping. So, it might feel awkward or even guilty to bring up the topic of long-term disability. But, speaking with your doctor about going out on disability is one of the most important conversations you can have in this journey.
Start with the Truth: You Would Be Working If You Could
This is a very important part of your disability claim. You are asking your doctor to support that you cannot work, relying on their own observations and treatment of you. There should be nothing untrue in this conversation.
We remind clients that their treating physician and care team already know what they have been going through. They have seen your medical history firsthand, they have conducted physical exams, read imaging reports, prescribed medications and watched you go through the ups and downs of your illness.
Your treating providers should know the impact your illness is having on your ability to work and function day-to-day. So, when you ask for their support, it is not coming out of left field. The truth is, if you could continue working you would. And your treating team should know that.
Prepare for a Heart-to-Heart Conversation.
This is not just another quick office visit. You should make an appointment for the purpose of discussing a disability claim and talk to your doctor about what that will look like and why it is time. When you meet with your doctor, be honest and be clear. You can say something like: “I have been trying to continue working, but my condition is getting worse. I am struggling every day to meet my responsibilities and its affecting both my health and my job performance.”
You can remind the doctor of the different treatment options you have tried, the medications you have taken, and the side affects you have experienced. Typically, we see claimants say things like “I have tried everything, but I am not getting better.” You want your doctor to be reminded, and appreciate, that despite everyone’s—the doctor’s and your—best efforts; your illness is affecting your work life and personal life.
Explain Why You Need Their Help Now
Long-term disability claims are not approved just because someone is sick or has a diagnosis. LTD claims get approved when the medical evidence supports restrictions and limitations that prevent a person from reliably and consistently working in their own job and, eventually, any job.
If your doctor doesn’t fully understand how bad things are for you—or does not support your claim—it can put your entire long term disability insurance claim in jeopardy. It is crucial that you have a direct and honest conversation explaining why you need their support. And then confirm with them that they will support your disability claim. It can be as simple as saying “I need your support as I go through this process.”
Keep Seeing Your Doctors Regularly
Once approved – not always approved.
After having the initial conversation with your doctor about going out on disability, it is just as important to continue seeing them regularly as their support will be needed throughout the entire disability claim.
Once your long-term disability claim is approved, it does not mean you will be left alone. Disability insurance companies conduct routine reviews and request updated medical evidence, attending physician statements and claimant forms. It is important your doctors continue to provide support of your disability.
Disability insurance companies periodically ask for updated medical evidence, attending physician statements and claim forms from you. It is important to ensure that your doctor is up to date with your condition and symptoms that are keeping you from working.
Help from a Lawyer with Expertise in Disability Insurance
This law firm was built to be a disability insurance law firm.
That focus means:
- All of our lawyers specialize in disability insurance claims;
- We have experience with every major disability insurance company;
- We have won important long term disability lawsuits.
Our disability lawyers can help you with:
- Submitting a disability insurance claim;
- Appealing a long-term disability denial;
- negotiating a lump-sum settlement; or
- Filing a lawsuit against your disability insurance company.
Hiring an experienced disability attorney is important. Because federal law applies to most disability insurance claims, our lawyers do not have to be located in your state.
Call for a free consultation with an experienced disability attorney. Pay no fees or costs unless you get paid.