Doctors Suffering From Fibromyalgia Seek Disability Insurance Benefits

Fibromyalgia is a condition affecting millions of adults, often preventing them from living life to the fullest due to pain and other severe symptoms. The physical pain, depression, and anxiety resulting from fibromyalgia can be so intense that doctors suffering from this disease become unable to maintain a medical career. Being unable to work compounds stress, but disability insurance benefits should be there to provide financial security for you and your family. Unfortunately, with difficult and changing diagnostic criteria, claiming your disability insurance benefits for fibromyalgia can be a challenge.

Seltzer & Associates focuses on representing doctors and medical professionals to help them receive disability insurance benefits. You do not need to take this journey alone; a Philadelphia fibromyalgia disability lawyer can help when your claim has been denied. 

Fibromyalgia Can Prevent Doctors from Working 

The most common symptoms of fibromyalgia are pain throughout the body and fatigue. Continuing pains and fatigue can advance in severity and disrupt a doctor’s ability to work in a manner consistent with maintaining a medical practice. 

Symptoms of fibromyalgia that are disruptive to a medical practice include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Difficulty sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating or thinking
• Problems with memory retention 
• Migraine headaches 
• Numbness in hands or feet
• Tingling in extremities 
• Digestive problems and digestive diseases

These symptoms can be subjective and attributed to other diseases and conditions creating some issues during the claim review process. Insurance claim analysts may not appreciate or understand the mix of symptoms preventing you from working or appreciate the true impact a fibromyalgia diagnosis has on the ability to work. If your fibromyalgia symptoms are disrupting your ability to work, you need to contact a Philadelphia fibromyalgia disability lawyer to discuss a claim for disability insurance benefits.

Treating Fibromyalgia in Physicians

There is no known cure for fibromyalgia. Treatments for this disease focus on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. Treating fibromyalgia can be complex because each person responds to the symptoms and treatment in a unique way. It can take time to identify the appropriate therapies, and often treatment is a combination of medical care and therapies. For example, a doctor may prescribe medication to relieve pain and suggest yoga or physical therapy for additional physical and mental wellness in fibromyalgia patients. The personal care plan recommended by your treatment providers should not be disregarded by your insurance company or used against you when claiming disability insurance benefits.

Common treatments for fibromyalgia include:

• Medication: pain relievers, muscle relaxers, and muscle relaxers may be prescribed to promote mobility and pain relief. Anti-depression or anti-anxiety medications may also help sufferers improve their life. 
• Physical therapy and exercise can help a fibromyalgia sufferer improve strength and learn how to move while reducing stress on the body.
• Counseling and stress management can help manage symptoms of depression and anxiety associated with fibromyalgia.

Stress management and behavioral therapy are also important aspects of fibromyalgia treatment. Physicians have high-stress careers and being removed from practicing medicine may be a necessary part of treating fibromyalgia. The insurance company may deny your claim for disability insurance benefits. Assessing your claim under the appropriate definition of disability, such as own occupation vs. any occupation, can create a battle with the insurance company. You need to work with a Philadelphia fibromyalgia disability lawyer to make sure you have the financial and medical support you need while contending with fibromyalgia.

Contact a Philadelphia Fibromyalgia Disability Lawyer

If you are suffering from fibromyalgia you need to consult with a Philadelphia fibromyalgia disability lawyer to discuss your claim for disability insurance benefits. Contact Seltzer & Associates by completing our online form or calling our office at 888-699-4222.