Denied Long-Term Disability Benefits In Florida? Five Mistakes You May Be Making With Your Doctor
Employer-provided long-term disability benefits in Florida can help offset lost wages if you are unable to work for a year or longer due to injury, illness, or chronic disease. Your doctor plays a significant role in determining eligibility.
Their assessments and comments about your case are crucial in getting your benefits approved but can also create roadblocks with insurers, resulting in claim denials. Our Jacksonville long-term disability lawyer shares five common mistakes to avoid when visiting your doctor’s office.
Seeking Long-Term Disability Benefits? What To Avoid At Your Doctor’s Office
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that roughly one out of every four adults in the United States suffers from some type of long-term disability. When physical, cognitive, or mental health conditions prevent you from working for a year or longer, long-term disability benefits in Florida may be available through employer-provided insurance coverage.
Unfortunately, insurers often cite medical records and statements from your own doctor in denying claims. To protect your rights and help prevent long-term disability denials in Florida, avoid the following five mistakes when visiting your doctor’s office:
- Not getting a firm diagnosis.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that nearly half of all workers have employer-provided long-term disability insurance coverage. To get benefits, you must have a qualifying condition.
Getting a firm diagnosis is a top priority. This includes detailed documentation and analysis of your condition, and how it leaves you unable to work.
- Downplaying or exaggerating your symptoms and the impact long-term disabilities have on your life.
Inform medical providers about your symptoms but avoid exaggerating the situation. Doctors note this in patient charts, resulting in denied benefits. Similarly, avoid downplaying your situation. Instead, describe your symptoms and the impact they have on your life in the clearest, most concise, and accurate way possible.
- Not following recommended treatment plans.
Failure to follow up on referrals, get appropriate testing, take medications, or otherwise disregarding your doctor’s instructions is noted on your chart and will likely result in a denied claim.
- Not refraining from certain types of activities.
In addition to work restrictions, your doctor will likely advise you on other activities to avoid. Failure to refrain from these activities is easily uncovered by insurers.
- Indicating overall dissatisfaction with working or your job.
Let your doctor know how your disability impacts you on the job, but avoid excessive complaining or indicating a desire not to work. This will be noted in your chart, and insurers can point to it as proof that you are able to do your job but no longer want to.
Request A Consultation With Our Florida Long-Term Disability Lawyer
It is a long journey from being diagnosed as disabled to getting long-term disability benefits in Florida. Farrell Disability Law protects your rights throughout the process, providing professional legal representation to get what you are entitled to. To request a consultation with our Florida long-term disability lawyer, call or contact our Orlando or Jacksonville office today.
Sources:
cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/infographic-disability-impacts-all.html
bls.gov/opub/ted/2020/short-term-and-long-term-disability-insurance-for-civilian-workers-in-2020.htm
