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If you’re unable to work due to a disabling condition, you may be eligible for long-term disability (LTD) benefits. However, obtaining these benefits is often a complex and challenging process. One of the key factors that can affect your chances of getting approved for long-term disability benefits is the medical evidence that you submit with your claim.
To increase your chances of getting approved for long-term disability benefits, it’s essential to have a thorough and accurate medical evaluation of your condition. But which type of doctor should you see to improve your chances of getting approved? In this article, we explore the types of doctors that can help you with your long-term disability claim.
Primary Care Physician
Your primary care physician (PCP) is often the first doctor you’ll see for medical treatment. Your PCP is responsible for diagnosing and treating your condition, and they can also help you manage your symptoms and monitor your progress. If you’re considering applying for long-term disability benefits, your PCP can be an essential ally in your efforts to get approved.
Your PCP can provide medical evidence that supports your claim, including your diagnosis, treatment plan, and prognosis. They can also provide information about how your condition affects your ability to work and perform daily activities. However, keep in mind that the medical evidence you submit must be detailed, thorough, and supported by objective medical findings.
Specialist Physician
If you have a complex or rare medical condition, you may need to see a specialist physician to diagnose and treat your condition. Specialists have expertise in specific areas of medicine and can provide a more in-depth evaluation of your condition. They can also provide more specialized treatment options that your PCP may not be able to provide.
If you’re applying for long-term disability benefits, seeing a specialist physician can be beneficial. Specialists can provide a detailed evaluation of your condition and provide medical evidence that supports your claim. They can also provide objective medical findings that can help strengthen your claim.
Mental Health Professional
If you’re experiencing a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety, seeing a mental health professional can be crucial. Mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists and psychologists, can diagnose and treat mental health conditions and provide therapy and counseling.
If you’re applying for long-term disability benefits due to a mental health condition, seeing a mental health professional can be essential. They can provide a diagnosis and treatment plan and can also provide information about how your condition affects your ability to work and perform daily activities.
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners are valued medical providers, but depending on the language used, the treatment might not satisfy the requirements of your disability insurance policy. For example, I’ve seen a policy that says that a claimant must be under the “Appropriate Care” of a “Physician”.
The term Appropriate Care is further defined as, “Have received treatment, care and advice from a Physician who is qualified and experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of the conditions causing Disability.”
Physician is defined in that policy as follows: “Physician means a licensed doctor practicing within the scope of his or her license and rendering care and treatment to an Insured that is appropriate for the condition and locality.”
Without passing any judgment on the qualifications and care of a Nurse Practitioner, if your policy has similar “Physician” language to that above, then the Nurse Practitioner will not satisfy the “Appropriate Care” requirement to qualify for benefits.
In conclusion, obtaining long-term disability benefits can be a complex and challenging process. To improve your chances of getting approved, it’s essential to have a thorough and accurate medical evaluation of your condition. Seeing a primary care physician, specialist physician, mental health professional, or nurse practitioner can all be beneficial in providing medical evidence that supports your claim. However, you must ensure that the treatment satisfies the requirements of your policy. Remember that the medical evidence you submit must be detailed, thorough, and supported by objective medical findings.
Legal Representation by an Experienced Long-Term Disability Attorney
If you’d like to speak to an experienced long-term disability insurance attorney about your denied claim, contact us at (888) 321-8131 to schedule a consultation. Although based in Florida, the Ortiz Law Firm represents claimants across the United States. We can help you evaluate your claim to determine whether you qualify for long-term disability benefits and how to navigate through the appeals process if your claim has been denied.
