If you’re appealing a denied long-term disability (LTD) claim, you may find the insurance company asking for something unusual: the raw data from your neuropsychological testing.
It might sound like a harmless request — after all, you’ve already given them the doctor’s report. But raw data is different, and sharing it without caution could put your claim at risk.
What “Raw Data” Actually Means
When you undergo neuropsychological testing, the final report from your provider is a summary. It explains your performance, interprets the results, and puts everything in context.
The raw data, however, includes:
- Your actual answers, scores, and performance metrics
- Detailed scoring sheets and test protocols
- Notes the examiner may have taken during your session
In short, it’s all of the behind-the-scenes information your provider used to create the final report.
Why the Insurance Company Wants It
Insurance carriers ask for raw data for two main reasons:
- To have their own expert review it. They will usually hire someone who may interpret the results in a way that’s less favorable to you.
- To look for inconsistencies. They are looking for small details that can be used to question the severity of your symptoms or the accuracy of your claim.
The Risks of Handing It Over
While sharing the data might seem straightforward, it comes with real concerns:
- Interpretation Bias: An insurance company’s expert could draw different (possibly negative) conclusions.
- Cherry-Picking: Without your doctor’s interpretation, certain numbers can be taken out of context.
- Ethical Issues: Under the American Psychological Association’s guidelines, raw data is generally supposed to be released only to another qualified psychologist, not directly to an insurance adjuster.
How to Protect Yourself
If the insurance company asks for your raw neuropsychological data, consider these best practices:
- Do not send it directly yourself. If it’s released, it should go from your provider to another qualified professional.
- Let your testing psychologist control the release. They can make sure it’s sent to a licensed psychologist on the insurance company’s side.
- Coordinate with your LTD attorney. They can help limit what’s shared, set conditions for release, and ensure context is included.
- Attach the full interpretive report. This helps prevent the data from being misunderstood or misused.
RELATED POST: Advanced Strategies for Long-Term Disability Appeals
Bottom Line
Your insurance company may request raw neuropsychological data during an LTD appeal, but it’s not something to hand over casually. Protect yourself by ensuring any transfer happens professional-to-professional, with safeguards in place, and with your legal team guiding the process.
If your LTD claim has been denied and your insurance company is pressuring you for sensitive testing data, you don’t have to navigate this alone. The Ortiz Law Firm helps claimants protect their evidence and fight for the benefits they deserve. Call (888) 321-8131 to schedule a free case evaluation today.
