Physician Assistant Long Term Disability Policy Tips to get Approved
If you work as a Physician Assistant and are in need of disability benefits, it is important to understand what it takes to get your long term disability claim approved. Our disability lawyers have helped hundreds of Physician Assistants nationwide and we know what the disability insurance companies require in order for your long term disability benefits to get paid.
In our Physician Assistant Long Term disability policy tips video, attorneys Gregory Dell and Alex Palamara discuss common disability insurance claim issues related to Physician Assistants, whether you are already on disability, have been denied disability, or if you are planning to file a disability claim.
Topics Discussed On This Page:
How Do Insurance Companies Define Your Occupation?
The job duties of a Physician Assistant will vary significantly, depending on what clinic or hospital you work for and in what area of medicine you practice, so it is important that insurance companies understand these potential variances and have copies of your specific job description and reports from your co-workers, other physician assistants and the doctors you work with to ensure your day–to-day job duties are properly understood. There is no broad sweeping definition of what it means to be a Physician Assistant, and insurance companies may simply look at your occupation as it is defined by the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT), which is dated, and not likely to capture what you actually do every day to successfully perform your occupation.
What Can You Do To Clarify The Demands Of Your Occupation?
Insurance companies have a tendency to make your occupation very black and white with respect to the physical and mental demands and will fall back on the DOT description even though it is likely not relevant, and will want to simply say your occupation is “sedentary” or “light”, so it is crucial that you ensure the insurance company understands the full scope of what is required in your occupation. Submitting the job description, reports from colleagues, and your own report of your daily occupational duties should be part of applying for or continuing your disability claim.
Can You File For Residual Disability Benefits While Working Part-Time?
You can file a claim for disability even if you can work part-time and not yet claim total disability. Your efforts to continue working establishes your credibility and desire to continue working, even if it is challenging. If, down the road, you have to file for total disability and not work at all you have demonstrated that you are driven to return to work and that is the ultimate goal but your medical condition, symptoms, and limited level of function, has simply made that impossible.
How Do You Win Long Term Disability Benefits?
Having a strategic plan in place before applying for long term disability benefits, or if your claim is denied and you need to appeal, is crucial. With all disability claims, establishing and continuing regular care with your treating physicians and being able to provide medical support for why your condition interferes with your ability to perform your occupation as a Physician Assistant is what is required to win your long term disability benefits. Having a conversation with your physician, and documenting those conversations and medical findings to support your inability to work is a necessary step in getting your disability claim approved.
Insurance companies primarily determine if you are disabled as a Physician Assistant based on the specific physical and mental demands of being a Physician Assistant of your company, and based on the medical records and information from your physician, as well as the financial records you maintain as a Physician Assistant. Just as you have a strategic plan as a Physician Assistant to run a company, you should have a strategic plan regarding your long term disability.
How Our Attorneys Can Help You Get Approved for Disability Benefits
You should search our website and learn much more information about your disability insurance company and the process of obtaining short or long term disability benefits. We have already represented hundreds of Physician Assistants and we know what to expect and know how to help you. We represent claimants nationwide and have hundreds of references available. Give our attorneys a call and we will provide you with an initial free review of your policy or your denial letter if you’ve been denied. We will let you know right away if we can assist with your disability claim.
