Physicians have never been happy with the insurance industry that put them in the middle of risk management within the private disability review process. In some respects treating physicians have been abused and ignored by the very industry that now requires their response to disability. Unfortunately, many treating physicians are saying, “hell no” to filling out disability forms, and are leaving insureds in compromised positions.
Within the last several months, insureds have reported to me that their physicians, who once supported disability forms without question, now say they will not sign any future disability forms. A few docs have said they will not sign forms without a Functional Capacities Evaluation backing up his/her diagnosis and R&Ls.
Like everyone else these days running scared of litigation, the courts, or lock-up, physicians are running away from the insurance industry as fast as they can. After all, they aren’t required by law to take on private disability patients, and it looks like they don’t intend to.
Treating physicians are literally “scared” of being placed in the position of having to testify for patients. In addition, COVID and Telehealth has made them a bit lazy, and the least amount of contention is desired. Physicians just don’t seem to want to take the time to complete disability forms anymore because they fear the consequences if they have to buck the system. This sends insureds frantically looking for new physicians who are willing to “keep up” and advocate for their disabled patients. Admittedly, these physicians are out there, but few and far between.
There are two groups of physicians who typically STOP signing forms after surgery. The first, are the orthopedic surgeons, who quit filling out disability forms shortly after a brief recuperation period. The second, are physical therapists and pain management physicians because they allege they don’t diagnose anyone, but just treat the symptoms.
In fact, Physical Therapists rarely document total disability through their Functional Capacities Evaluations and are figuring out new ways to “help everyone return to work.” The same is true of PM&R (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) physicians who expect everyone they “rehab” to return to work as soon as possible.
Treating physicians are taking the “escape routes” because they either fear litigation, or just don’t want to have anything to do with putting their names on disability forms. Everyone wants to be a “gray person” these days -silent, hidden, and voiceless.
Insureds should be very observant of their treating physicians, making note of any protestations to filling out disability paperwork. I have never trusted physicians who, despite patients asking not to fax information directly to insurers, still do. These doctors are more likely to take a phone call signaling a future denial. No physical should be afraid to show his/her patient a completed disability form.
Insureds should look for other physicians who will be more supportive and tolerant of disability forms. Whining physicians aren’t going to do you, or your claim, any good. Move on, even if you’ve treated with your physician for a long time. And, don’t be surprised if your physician suddenly tells you he won’t sign any more forms. Move on, quickly, and find another physician. Ask for your complete medical file and take your business elsewhere.
