An attending physician statement form is the usual name for the form utilized by group Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability insurance companies as part of the benefit application package.
This form is also used through the course of a pending claim to update continued treatment and disability. It is critical that the attending physician statement form be handled properly.
Limitations From The Insurance Company
Before reviewing the handling of the attending physician statement form, let me make a point of primary import: the insurance company will usually try to limit you to just one (1) of these forms when you may have two (2) or three (3) physicians who need to address your various medical conditions. This way, the insurance company will try to “pigeonhole” your claim into one based solely on the conditions treated by that one (1) doctor. It might take a little extra work but it is important to address all medical issues affecting your capacity to work.
Review Before Submitting To The Insurance Company
As far as the handling of the attending physician statement form is concerned, it is important that it be reviewed by you (or your attorney) before the form goes to the insurance company. There are any number of reasons for this. First, it is important to see that the attending physician statement form is filled out completely and, quite frankly, correctly. We all get in a hurry and make mistakes, physicians included. Second, this way, you will have a copy of the form in the insurance company’s possession. Finally, you can ensure it is delivered in a manner which the insurance company cannot deny. We hear often how a doctor’s office has said the form was sent while the insurance company denies its receipt. At least, all of this affects the timeliness of payment on your claim but, at worst, it may result in a denial thereof.
Herbert M. Hill, P.A. Can Mitigate Your Stress
It is difficult to handle these stressful issues while you are dealing with a medical condition severe enough to remove you from the
workforce. Beyond securing Short Term Disability or Long Term Disability benefits for our clients, one of our goals is to reduce the stress associated with your claim, such as responding to requests for Attending Physicians Statements. We will stand between you and “them.”
If you have any questions about your Short Term Disability or Long Term Disability claim, contact us. We would be glad to answer any questions you may have. If you would like, after discussing your case, we can set a conference. In most circumstances, that conference would be free of charge but in no circumstance would you be under any obligation to hire me nor would you feel any pressure from me to do so.
Other Practice Areas
Herbert M. Hill, P.A. is a law firm located in Orlando, Florida with a practice extending throughout the state of Florida. While the vast majority of cases handled are for disability insurance benefits, areas of practice include employee benefit claims of all sorts. The firm handles any claims arising under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) for disability benefits, medical benefits, retirement benefits of any sort, including pension, 401k, termination agreements or the like as well as claims arising under private disability policies.
