A necessary step in the long-term disability claim process is an independent medical examination. The insurance company can request one of “their” doctors to perform this independent medical examination. And, that doctor can determine whether you are eligible for benefits. Really.
Obviously, doctors handpicked by the insurance company are often those who support their goal of limiting benefits, even if they are technically “independent”.
Medical Doctor Database
At The Martin Law Group, we keep a database of medical doctors and their track record with independent medical evaluations. We also keep a database of health care professionals who perform peer reviews of independent medical examinations. Does the doctor who will perform the review of your medical examination have a reputation for honesty and fairness? Or does he most often support the insurer's position?
Ask one of our ERISA disability attorneys about the role of the independent medical examination in your claim for disability benefits.