Disability Insurance Attorneys Representing Psychologists & Psychiatrists Nationwide
At Disability Insurance Law Group, our attorneys represent psychologists and psychiatrists throughout the U.S. pursuing their disability insurance coverage for the benefits outlined in their unique policies.
The substantial financial investment and the time psychologists and psychiatrists commit to becoming medical and mental health professionals are vital to their patients and society.
To become a clinical psychologist, individuals must:
- Earn an undergraduate degree (four to five years of college) plus a doctorate (four to seven years of graduate school).
- Pass the national Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology(EPPP) and state examinations.
- Accrue 4,000 hours of experience while working under supervision.
- Fulfill a postdoctoral practice requirement.
The average salary for a psychologist varies by type, but the median salary range is between $79,000 – $155,000.
To become a clinical psychiatrist, individuals must:
- Complete an undergraduate degree.
- Take the Medical College Administration Test(MCAT).
- Complete medical school.
- Obtain a medical degree.
- Complete a psychiatric residency.
- Obtain a license to practice medicine in the state of practice.
- Become board-certified in psychiatry.
Psychiatrists spend more time in school than most other mental health professionals. It usually takes about eight years of post-undergraduate study to become a licensed psychiatrist. This includes four years to complete your M.D. degree and another four years of residency. The average salary for entry-level psychiatrists ranges between $218,000 to $353,000, with top earners making $400,000 annually.
Psychiatrists and psychologists do essential work in their respective states. When their ability to work is impacted by a disabling illness, injury, or condition covered by their policy, they deserve the full benefits they are entitled to under its terms and conditions.
This is why we are here. If you plan to protect your income and livelihood by purchasing a private disability insurance policy or enrolling in an employer-provided disability insurance policy, you are entitled to those benefits if you become disabled.
Our nationwide disability insurance attorneys help psychologists and psychiatrists throughout the U.S. pursue their complete coverage benefits so they can move forward confidently. No matter where you are in the claim process, if you are a psychiatrist or psychologist seeking disability benefits, we can help.
Contact our skilled podiatrist disability insurance claims attorneys nationwide today.
What are the Most Common Reasons Disability Insurance Companies Deny Psychiatrist and Psychologist Disability Claims?
Disability insurance companies may deny disability claims filed by psychiatrists and psychologists for various reasons.
Some of the most common reasons for denials include:
- Lack of Sufficient Medical Evidence
Disability insurance companies often require thorough medical documentation to support a disability claim. If a psychiatrist or psychologist does not provide comprehensive medical records, test results, treatment notes, and other evidence that clearly demonstrates their disabling condition, the claim may be denied.
- Failure to Meet the Policy’s Definition of Disability
Disability insurance policies have specific definitions of disability. Some policies require that the insured cannot perform the duties of their own occupation (own occupation disability). In contrast, others may require the insured to be unable to perform any occupation for which they are reasonably suited (any occupation disability). If the insurer believes the claimant can still work in some capacity, they may deny the claim.
Disability insurance policies may have pre-existing condition clauses that exclude disability coverage related to the insured’s conditions before the policy’s effective date. If the insurance company determines the pre-existing disabling condition, they may deny the claim.
Most disability insurance policies have an elimination period or waiting period during which the insured must be disabled before benefits kick in. If the insured attempts to claim benefits before this waiting period is satisfied, the claim may be denied.
Insurance companies may deny a claim if they believe the insured has not pursued appropriate and necessary medical treatment for their condition. If it appears that the insured is not actively seeking to improve their condition, the insurer may argue that they are not meeting their obligations under the policy.
Inconsistencies in Medical Records
If the insured’s medical records or statements contain inconsistencies or the insurance company’s medical reviewers believe that the evidence does not adequately support the severity of the condition, the claim may be denied.
- Failure to Comply with Insurance Company Requirements
Disability insurance companies may have specific requirements for claimants, such as undergoing medical exams, independent medical evaluations, or vocational assessments. If the insured fails to comply with these requests, the claim may be denied.
Failure to meet deadlines for submitting documentation, appealing a denial, or providing requested information can result in a claim denial. Psychiatrists and psychologists must adhere to all deadlines set by the insurance company.
Our attorneys work tirelessly to ensure that psychologists and psychiatrists receive the maximum benefits they are entitled to under their policy, including both short-term and long-term disability benefits, by developing a strategic approach to maximize the likelihood of a successful claim.
Let us take the lead in your case and pursue actual results that allow you to enjoy the quality of life of putting your claim behind you, just as we have successfully done for thousands of professionals nationwide.
At Disability Insurance Law Group, we also offer insurance claims for the following occupations:
Contact Our Dedicated Disability Insurance Claims Attorneys for Psychologists & Psychiatrists Today
Contact our skilled nationwide disability insurance attorneys for psychologists and psychiatrists today by calling (954)-989-9000 or contact us online to schedule a completely free and confidential case assessment so we can put our over 50 years of combined experience to work for you — no matter where you work or live in the U.S.