On This Page[Hide][Show]
Surgeons are considered to be the most skilled of all medical professionals. The very nature of surgery is complex and requires that the surgeon to be physically and mentally prepared for surgery each time they operate on a patient. So when a surgeon becomes disabled and needs to file a long-term disability claim, it may be surprising to find out that it’s much harder for them to be approved for benefits than it is for their patients.
In this article, we will explore the following:
- Why it’s so difficult to file a long-term disability claim as a surgeon;
- How to create a winning claim; and
- How to get a professional evaluation of your disability insurance claim.
Why Is It Difficult for a Surgeon to File for LTD?
The salary of a surgeon is in the top three of salaries for medical professionals according to the latest CNBC report on the highest paying jobs in America. With an average salary of $251,890, surgeons are compensated for the high level of skill required to do their job. Although it is well known that a surgeon needs to be in top physical and mental condition to do their job, if a surgeon becomes disabled and files a long-term disability claim, they will have a much harder time getting approved.
Why? Because the insurance company looks at cases from a financial perspective. They evaluate the financial impact of providing benefits to a surgeon during the period of illness or disability. The longer the surgeon’s recovery time, the more financial scrutiny they may face during the claims process.
Tips for a Successful Claim
Tip #1 Gather Strong Medical Evidence
You may not be familiar with the medical documentation required for a long-term disability claim. You will need to gather all of the medical records related to your disability from your treating physicians. Make sure your pain levels and limitations are well documented, as this is an often overlooked but essential part of proving your claim. If you suffer from a mental health disorder, then including medical records of psychological treatment is also crucial.
Tip #2 Anticipate Surveillance
Large claims, like a surgeon’s, attract surveillance, which is entirely legal. During the surveillance period, an investigator may monitor your home, talk to neighbors about your daily activities, and attempt to use this information against you in court. This is why it is important not to rush back into exercise routines or any other strenuous activities.
Tip #3 Stay Off Social Media
As discussed in our article on social media and long-term disability claims, your insurer may monitor your social media accounts. It’s a good idea to stay off social media during this time, as investigators may use any information they find against your claim.
Tip #4 Don’t Try to Go Back to Work Too Soon
A surgeon may find the recovery period monotonous and unproductive. The transition from an active schedule to prolonged rest can feel like imprisonment. However, surgeons must resist the temptation to return to work prematurely. Returning to work before complete physical and mental recovery can lead to costly mistakes and potential legal problems.
How a Long-Term Disability Attorney Can Help
We can help you evaluate your claim to determine if you are eligible for long-term disability benefits and how to move forward with the process.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation
Surgeons will find it challenging to get a long term disability claim approved. The insurance company will look for virtually any reason to deny the claim. By providing strong medical evidence, keeping a low profile, and not rushing back to work too soon, a surgeon can create a solid case for disability. But even well supported claims are sometimes denied.
If your long-term disability claim has been denied, an experienced disability attorney can help you by preparing your appeal and protecting you from insurance investigators during the appeal review process. The Ortiz Law Firm is based in Florida, but represents claimants across the country. Get a free, no obligation case evaluation by calling (888) 321-8131.
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):
Just fill out the form below to get started.
