Long-Term Disability Claims for Anesthesiologists

An anesthesiologist is listed as the highest paying position in America according to a CNBC report on the top paying jobs in America.  As an anesthesiologist, you have the critical role of helping patients before and after surgery. This specialized skill set is the reason that the average compensation is $265,990. It is also the reason that insurance companies try to deny disability claims for an anesthesiologist.

In this article, we will explore the following:

• Challenges an anesthesiologist may face when filing a long-term disability claim;
• Tips for a successful claim; and
• How to get a free disability policy evaluation report.

The Challenges of Getting a Long-Term Disability Claim Approved

As an anesthesiologist, you pay high premiums to insurance companies to cover your expenses if you become disabled. Although you pay these premiums, your insurer will make it very difficult for you to win your claim. The insurer does not want to approve your claim because it looks at the case from a financial standpoint. The insurer knows how much it costs to pay a claim for an anesthesiologist. If your disability is not expected to improve and you may be eligible to receive benefits through your maximum benefit period, you will face even more scrutiny during the claim review process.

Tips for Getting Your Disability Claim Approved

Tip #1: Gather Strong Medical Evidence

Make sure you collect all the medical evidence from each doctor treating your disability. This includes treatment for both physical and mental conditions. It’s important that your doctors document your pain levels in your medical records, even though it may not be a common practice. These records will be critical to the success of your claim.

Tip #2: Expect Surveillance

A significant disability claim, such as that of an anesthesiologist, is likely to be subject to surveillance. Surveillance is legal, and an investigator may stake out your home, talk to neighbors about your daily routines, and try to gather information to use against you in court. It’s important not to rush back into strenuous activities or exercise during the claim period.

Tip #3: Avoid Social Media

There’s a good chance that your social media accounts are being monitored. As an anesthesiologist, your busy work schedule may not leave much time for social media. However, when you’re at home resting, you may be tempted to create an account or spend time on social media. We recommend that you stay away from social media completely during the claim process. Insurance investigators may try to use your social media activity to deny your claim.

Tip #4 Don’t Rush Back to Work

Recovering from a disability can be arduous and unproductive experience. Transitioning from a highly active schedule to weeks or months of rest can feel like a prison sentence. It’s important to resist the urge to return to work too soon. Returning before you’re physically and mentally ready increases the risk of making mistakes that could harm patients and lead to legal consequences.

Get Help with Your Long-Term Disability Claim

Anesthesiologists face challenges when filing long-term disability claims due to the significant costs involved. Insurance companies will look for reasons to deny the claim, but working with an experienced disability attorney like Nick Ortiz can protect you from insurance investigators.

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation

At the Ortiz Law Firm, we represent claimants nationwide. Call (888) 321-8131 for a free, no obligation case evaluation. We can help you evaluate your policy, determine your eligibility for long-term disability benefits, and guide you through the appeals process.

Have an Expert Review Your Policy

Many people who are unfamiliar with insurance policy language and can easily misinterpret or fail to understand their disability insurance policy. For those who are considering purchasing disability insurance or who have recently purchased a policy, we offer our expertise to help you understand your policy’s terms and identify any potential gaps in your coverage that could lead to a claim denial. 

Areas of your policy that we will review include (but are not limited to):

• Total disability versus residual disability;

• Own occupation versus any gainful occupation;

• Limitations on benefits for mental and nervous disabilities; and

• Limitations on benefits for self-reported conditions.

Just fill out the form below to get started.