Why Its Important For Dentist To Seek Legal Guidance Prior To Filing A Long Term Disability Claim

For many dentists, an individual disability insurance (IDI) policy is one of the most valuable financial protections they own. However, when a disability occurs, many claimants are surprised to learn that proving an own-occupation disability claim involves far more than submitting medical records.

Insurance companies often request extensive documentation, including:

• Tax returns and business financial records
• Production reports
• CDT procedure codes
• Practice revenue data
• Hygiene and associate production information
• Appointment schedules and procedural breakdowns
• Employment contracts and ownership documents

While these requests may appear routine, the information provided can significantly affect how the insurance company evaluates the claim.

A common mistake dentists make is assuming that financial and production records speak for themselves. In reality, insurers frequently analyze billing codes, procedure mix, time allocation, and income trends to determine whether the insured is truly unable to perform the material duties of their occupation. Without proper context, the data can be interpreted in a way that minimizes the severity of a disability or creates an inaccurate picture of the dentist’s actual work responsibilities.

For example, a dentist who can no longer perform crown preparations, extractions, implant procedures, or other hands-on clinical duties may still have residual practice income. An insurer may attempt to use that income as evidence of work capacity unless the supporting documentation is carefully reviewed and properly explained.

An experienced long-term disability attorney can help identify potential issues before records are submitted, ensure responses are accurate and complete, and present occupational and financial evidence in a manner that reflects the reality of the dentist’s disability. This is especially important in own-occupation claims, where the focus is not simply whether the dentist can work somewhere, but whether they can perform the substantial and material duties of their occupation as a dentist.

The strongest claims are often the ones that are prepared correctly from the beginning. Reviewing financial records, procedure codes, practice documents, and occupational duties before submission can help avoid unnecessary disputes and place the claim in the strongest possible position for approval.

Contact the Law Office of Justin C. Frankel, P.C. today for a free consultation and learn how an experienced disability attorney can help protect your rights and maximize your chances of success.

Justin C. Frankel is the founder of the Law Office of Justin C. Frankel, PC, a Long Island, New York headquartered law firm representing clients nationwide in disability insurance claims. For more information please go to our website www.jfrankellaw.com.