Doctor Visit Frequency for Disability Insurance Claims

Author: Disability Attorneys Dell & Schaefer
Published: 2010/09/17 - Updated: 2026/01/11
Publication Type: Informative
Category Topic: Claims - Related Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This information provides practical guidance from experienced disability attorneys on medical treatment frequency requirements for long-term disability insurance claimants. The article clarifies insurer expectations based on condition type, explaining that psychiatric disabilities typically require monthly treatment visits (or weekly in some cases), while physical disabilities mandate visits at minimum every three months. This guidance proves particularly valuable for individuals navigating the complex requirements of disability insurance policies, as maintaining "appropriate care of a doctor" remains a critical policy requirement - failure to meet treatment frequency standards can result in claim denial regardless of diagnosis validity. The straightforward breakdown helps claimants, families, and caregivers understand specific documentation and treatment obligations that protect benefit eligibility - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

How Often is a Disability Claimant Expected to Treat with a Doctor?

The disability insurance company will have different expectations as to how long you should treat with your doctor based upon what your disabling medical condition is.

Main Content

There are two types of medical conditions that can be disabling. It can be physical or it could be psychiatric.

If you have a psychiatric disabling condition, you should be seeing your doctor at least once a month or once a week, but at an absolute minimum of once a month.

Often if you have a psychiatric medical condition, you're treating with both a psychiatrist and a psychologist.

With a physical disability, you should be seeing your doctor at an absolute minimum of once every three months, and it would probably be in your best interest to see the doctor more often.

However, we obviously understand that if you have a medical condition that's been diagnosed by your doctor that you don't have to keep going back to the doctor for him to keep telling you that you have the same thing.

However, under these long-term disability policies, the policies require you to continue to be under the appropriate care of a doctor.

If you aren't under the appropriate care of a doctor, your claim could be denied.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: The distinction between psychiatric and physical disability treatment schedules reflects both medical necessity and insurance policy language that many claimants discover only after a denial. While it may seem counterintuitive that someone with a stable, chronic physical condition must return for quarterly appointments when their diagnosis remains unchanged, this requirement serves as documentary proof of ongoing disability rather than medical necessity alone. Claimants who understand this administrative reality early can work with their physicians to establish appropriate visit schedules that satisfy policy requirements without unnecessary medical intervention - a balance that protects both their health and their financial security during what is often an already difficult period - Disabled World (DW).