Over the years I have handled Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability benefits claims, and I have witnessed the insurance companies make every effort to come between the claimant and his or her doctors. This has come to the point that many physicians’ offices will not even complete any paperwork. It is a sad state of affairs when a physician chooses to abandon a patient in this fashion.
And, in fact, the patient is abandoned. Without the doctor’s cooperation proof of Long Term Disability benefits claims are well nigh impossible. There is no power of subpoena in the application phase of the claim by which a doctor could be forced to testify about what he has found. Of course, in such a situation, the doctor is likely to end the relationship with the patient. I tell my clients they must have a doctor who cares about the person as a whole, not just that part or parts of the body which generate the income.
Why do Doctors Stop Cooperating During the Claims Process?
Insurance companies have driven doctors to this point. If a doctor expresses his opinions, his office will be hounded until they cry “No more!” This is why I do not allow insurance companies to contact treating health care providers for any reason whatever. We will secure the medical records and responses to any inquiries the insurance company may have. The insurance policy provides that the burden of proof is on the claimant, anyway. This way we can know what documentation has been provided to the insurance company so they cannot later deny it, as they so often try to do. Also, we do not let them talk to doctors because this always leads to skewed restatements of their opinions. The more popular trick is the insurance company’s doctors’ phony efforts to contact treating doctors- calling in the middle of business expecting to talk to the doctor now.
This has become even more problematic in Central Florida as it has become apparent that doctors associated with Advent Health routinely refuse to cooperate in this fashion, to the point where the undersigned has reached the opinion that this is a directive that came down from Advent Health itself- a supposed Christian entity which will pray with it patients but will not help them with the basics of life. It is breathtaking that doctors can be so callous to their patients.
Do You Need Help with Your Short Term or Long Term Disability Insurance Claim?
Questions about your Short Term Disability or Long Term Disability claim? Give us a call! We will address any questions you may have. The numbers are 407-839-0005 or, toll free, 844-454-5995, Herbert M. Hill, P.A. is a law firm located in Orlando, Florida with a practice extending throughout the state of Florida.
