How to Ask Your Doctor for Assistance With Your Long-Term Disability Claim

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that as many as one in four American adults lives with some form of disability. A serious injury, illness, or other medical impairment could prevent a person from working full-time. You may be entitled to long-term disability benefits—but you will need comprehensive medical evidence to bring a claim. 

This raises an important question: How do you ask your doctor for help with a long-term disability claim? Here, our Chicago long-term disability attorney answers the question by providing an overview of the key things that you need to keep in mind when asking your doctor for assistance with a disability claim. 

Asking Your Doctor for Assistance With a Disability Claim: Six Principles 

• Choose the Right Doctor to Act Your Advocate

The right doctor can make a big difference. Look for a doctor who has experience working with patients who have similar disabilities and who is familiar with the disability claims process.

• Explain that You Want to Discuss Your Disability Claim When Making an Appointment

When making an appointment, let the doctor’s office know that you want to discuss your disability claim. This way, they can schedule enough time for the appointment and ensure that the right person will be available to help you.

• Be Proactive: Start Getting Together Medical Records Before You File a Claim 

Start gathering your medical records well before you file a claim. This will give your doctor time to review the records and provide any necessary updates or additional information.

• Obtain and Bring Your Disability Claims Form With You to an Appointment

Obtain your disability claims form and bring it with you to your appointment. Doing so will help your doctor provide the necessary information and complete the form correctly.

• Make Sure Your Doctor Knows the Full Extent of Your Limitations

Make sure your doctor is aware of all of your limitations, including any symptoms or side effects of your condition. Doing so will help your doctor provide the most accurate information for your claim.

• Seek a Written Letter or Support and Ask for as Much Detail as Possible 

Finally, ask your doctor for a written letter of support for your claim that includes as much detail as possible about your condition, limitations, and treatment.

Get Help From a Long Term Disability Attorney in Illinois

At Bartolic Law, our Illinois long-term disability lawyer is an experienced, effective advocate for disabled individuals and their families. If you have any questions about getting assistance from a doctor with your disability claim, we are here as a legal resource. Contact us today to arrange your no-obligation initial consultation. With a law office in Chicago, we provide long-term disability representation in Cook County and throughout the surrounding area in Northern Illinois.