Long-term disability claims for physicians may be denied for many reasons, including disputes over medical evidence, occupational duties, or policy definitions.
Physicians often purchase disability policies designed to protect their ability to practice medicine. Unfortunately, insurers sometimes deny claims by arguing that the physician can still perform some work, that the medical records do not support the claimed restrictions, or that the condition does not meet the policy's definition of disability.
Many disputes arise because physician occupations can be highly specialized. A surgeon, for example, may be unable to perform surgery while still being capable of performing some administrative tasks. Whether that qualifies as a disability often depends on the specific policy language.
For more information about disability insurance basics as well as tips for physicians, see the American Medical Association's guidance.
BOTTOM LINE FROM TWWLAWFIRM.COM
👉 A denial does not necessarily mean the claim lacks merit. Many physician disability disputes turn on policy language and medical evidence.
(This legal/medical information is for general educational purposes only. While it applies in many situations, no attorney-client relationship is formed—which enables a lawyer to give specific legal advice—until you have spoken to the lawyer directly and retained him or her in writing.)