Estimates indicate that up to 1 in 4 US workers will have lost time from work due to illness or injury. Disability benefits offered by employers offer income protection to employees during times of functional impairment but also offer opportunities for clinicians to assist with return to work if usable information is shared with benefits companies. This session will differentiate between Social Security Disability Insurance and employer-based Long Term Disability Insurance with emphasis on additional options provided by employer-based Benefits Companies, such as Clinical, Behavioral Health, and Vocational expertise. By providing insights into information that is needed/helpful to the Benefits Companies this session will give treating providers insights into ways to assist patients with return-to-work options. I will explain how the function is assessed differently at a 'Change in Definition' and how the Benefits Company will evaluate capacity after an initial period of disability. Understanding how the definition of disability changes over time will allow for early intervention and planning for a large number of patients that may not be 'totally disabled'.
Learning Objectives:
Explain the differences between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and employer based Short- and Long-Term Disability benefits.
Educate about differing 'definitions of disability' within employer based disability benefits.
Provide instruction on providing functional assessment of patients to assist with return to work options.
Disclosure(s):
Tracy Hamill, MD: No financial relationships to disclose
