An anesthesiologist is listed as the highest paying position in America according to a CNBC report on 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 you can free disability policy evaluation report.
The Challenges of Getting A Long Term Disability Claim Approved as an Anesthesiologist
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 to win your claim.
The insurer does not want to approve your claim because they are looking at the case from a financial point of view. 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: Collect Strong Medical Evidence
Make sure to gather all the medical evidence from every doctor who is treating your disability. This includes treatment for physical conditions and mental health disorders. 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 crucial to the success of your claim.
Tip #2: Expect Surveillance
A significant disability claim, such as that of an anesthesiologist, is likely to be subjected to surveillance. Surveillance is legal, and an investigator may stake out your house, talk to neighbors about your daily routines, and try to gather information to use against you in court. It’s crucial not to rush back into strenuous activities or exercise during the claim period.
Tip #3: Avoid Social Media
There’s a high probability that your social media accounts will be monitored. As an anesthesiologist, your busy work schedule may not leave much time for social media. However, when you’re at home resting, you might be tempted to create an account or spend time on social media. We recommend staying completely off social media during the claim period. Insurance investigators may try to use your social media activity to deny your claim.
Tip #4 Don’t Rush Your Return to Work
Recovering from a disability can be a tedious 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 early. Going back before you’re physically and mentally ready increases the risk of making mistakes that could harm patients and lead to legal consequences.
Request a Free Policy Evaluation
If you’re considering purchasing disability insurance or have recently bought a policy, we can help you understand your policy and identify any deficiencies in your coverage that might result in a denied claim. It’s common for policyholders without insurance expertise to misinterpret or misunderstand the terms of their disability policy.
Some policy aspects we’ll review include:
- Total disability versus residual disability
- Own occupation versus any gainful occupation
- Limitations on mental and nervous disability benefits
- Limitations on self-reported conditions benefits
Conclusion
Anesthesiologists face challenges when seeking approval for long-term disability claims due to the substantial costs involved. Insurance companies will look for reasons to deny the claim, but working with an experienced disability attorney can protect you against insurance investigators. The Ortiz Law Firm represents claimants nationwide. Call (888) 321-8131 for a free consultation without any obligation. We can help you evaluate your policy, determine your eligibility for long-term disability benefits, and guide you through the process.