This is just a reminder that we are nearing end of the year claim reviews. Many claims may already be targeted with IMEs, surveillance, and phone interviews with treating physicians. It’s time to pay attention to what insurers are asking for, or trying to obtain as information.
If you have a presence on the Internet, it’s not a good idea around the holidays to start talking with long lost friends publicly. Internet chat groups and social medical are very dangerous to people with disability claims. Therefore, either do away with, or restrain yourself from using Internet communications, especially at this time of year. Given all the hub going on these days, it’s important to stay out of it, if you can.
Some insurance companies increase the number of doc-to-doc calls they make to treating physicians. It would also be a good idea to discuss the potential for insurance calls and what you allow your doctor to do and what you don’t. Most physicians these days refuse to speak with insurance docs on the phone, but then again, it only takes ONE to throw an insured under the bus. It’s better to have that conversation with your treating physician than not.
Claims reps will be calling you directly trying to conduct “phone interviews.” The best thing to do is to advise you’d be happy to provide additional information if questions were provided to you in writing. They may argue with you, but insist on all communications in writing.
The end of the year doesn’t need to be a disaster. If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call.
