Recently, I was approved for a short term disability claim through my work. On it, the doctor told them that he didn't want me back at work until at least August 25th. I got my approval letter yesterday, but they only approved it through June 20th. I called, and they said that since my next doctor's appointment is June 18th, the doctor might think I'm well enough to go back to work and they "don't want me to have to pay back the money." Complete BS.

The letter I received with my first disability says that if I can't return to work by June 20th, (which I clearly won't be able to as my doctor already stated, especially since I still can't move my arm) I need to call them and share an update on my medical condition. That part is easy.

But I also have to have my doctor provide them with the following medical information:

Medical records: including treatment records, procedure records, physical therapy records, and test results from all treating providers

Restrictions and limitations (a list of things you should not and cannot do)

"A note from your physician stating you are unable to return to work is not considered sufficient medical documentation."

Now, this is my second go-round with RSD, but the first time I was in college and still under my parent's financial umbrella. I didn't have to worry about short-term disability. I'm completely at a loss for what to do regarding what constitutes sufficient medical documentation.

What types of medical records will the insurance companies count as enough evidence to continue my disability for the time period my doctor described? Because this is my second go-round with RSD, the doctor didn't do as much testing as they did 10 years ago, so there isn't as much documentation to give them.



I'm seeing my doctor on June 18th and won't begin physical therapy until after I see him. I'm also having a nerve conduction test on June 19th.

I'm concerned that without enough objective evidence they'll take away my disability and force me to go back to work before I'm physically able.

What can I have my doctor give them with which they'll be satisfied? I know RSD is a tricky disease that's hard to substantiate, so what can I do to help along the process?

Someone in the drs office should know what is needed, or they should know about how to find out from the disability ins co. or the employer.

Maybe they prefer to go from appt to appt to keep up on each outcome a time goes by.

If you can look online for your disability ins provider you might find some of the information you need.

I had a knee surgery and dr wrote me off work for a month and a half, but I still needed to keep in weekly contact with my supervisor if I recall correctly.
It was a long time ago though..

It sounds almost as bad as worker comp...
I had to deal w/ the HR lady and my drs a couple of times to get the right wording of my limitations for light duty.
But the time off wasn't as difficult...but I do think the HR lady pulled a fast one on me by asking if I wanted to take FMLA & use my accumulated vacation time while off work for an on the job injury...I probably should have been getting wc monies since they couldn't accommodate my restrictions so i was off work.

Your employer is not entitled to any of your medical records, however insurance companies are. The insurance company should be contacting the Dr. themselves, not requesting you to deliver the documentation.

The insurance company should be able to tell the dr. what they are looking for. As far as a nerve conduction I do not recomend if you have rsd. These can be very painful to a person with RSD.

Having gone through this same process with my wife 6 years ago was a bit stressful. KathrynL, do you have family or friends that can help you organize the whole process? If so let them help. Also, keep your eye on the ball and that is SSDI----if need be. The whole process is stressful, exactly something those with RSD do not need.

Ok ..I too had to deal with short term disability ins through my job..what a pain. first did you fill out the informational pack that they send out??? as it is short term disability they expect an update every month. or at the least every dr,s visit... all i needed was a dr,s note to my employer that I could not return to work and the insurance called the dr for the records..it is a pain but its only a piece of paper.. just remember to keep copies of everything and I mean every thing....also fill out the FMLA forms if you have them ..it can save your job. if you can ever return.. I have a lot of paperwork all scripts are photocopied all films or discs are saved by me and copied to dr, all reports are filed with me and copies to dr,s all request from job are copied all IME,s copied . all pAy stubs kept in chronicle order. all denials and EOB,s(explanation of benefits. ) all conversations regarding this . I keep notes on. all conversations I have with dr,s I keep notes on and even what i learn and what i say here..(me myself and I no-one els) I keep notes on.. especially because my memory is now swiss cheese. and these threads can get lost in the past.. and be very difficult to find again.. you must cover all bases. and be ready to hit hard when a problem comes up.. sorry i should say when or if a problem comes up.. I learned to hope for the best and plan for the worst.. that way I'm covered..
ok now that i sound paranoid ... I hope this helps ..

get an attorney i got hurt at work and it caused me to get CRPS type 2 ive been fighting with workers comp for a year

Your doctor will just continue to fill out forms saying you cannot go back to work yet. Even when I told STD that I'd be out 3 weeks for a surgery, they'd put me down for less time because they knew I had an appointment before then.

Don't stress it. I know I did, but as long as your doctor has good reason to keep you out you will be ok on the STD end.

Hope this helps.