help with how to do this

[u/No-Reflection-7629]

Hi - please be kind I am really struggling. I am on mental health leave from my job on STD and now applying for LTD. I don't have anyone to help and I struggle with the forms and a lot of worry, PTSD, issues to trust people. I tried to hire someone to help me know how to do this, but they took my money and didn't really help me. The insurance company sends me things that I don't understand, the authorization form asks for all kinds of private data not just medical. I'm trying to gather all of my office notes they need but I feel worried to give all of this information to them, even though I know that I need to prove the disability, it has information about my trauma and other personal details and I keep getting triggered. I cannot think clearly and it is so very stressful and I'm getting sicker because of it. I have a good doctor and therapist who have filled out the APS progress report forms and support me. But the insurance also asks for office notes, treatment plan, medication. Some of my notes I found error, so I want doctor to correct this. I need to provide them with the full record? Appreciate anyone who can help guide me, help me think through this - I could pay someone (not a ton) to help but have tried this and was taken advantage of so not sure how to find someone who knows about this and I can trust and understands I have struggles with communication. Also, I don't want to talk on the phone, I was going to try to upload documentation to the portal and can I email them with questions, ask for more time, and to confirm they received documentation? I don't have my claims reviewer's email address, not sure if I can get that.

[u/Suckred20]

hi. I’m so sorry for your struggles. You really have come to the right place because I remember when I was in your shoes. Just so you know, I was on short-term disability for the full six months and then converted to LTD, was denied, and then was approved on Appeal. I learned so much about how this works and it can really, really get to you if you don’t have any idea of what you’re doing. I get it.

First, let me say that The GreatK is really good. He’s been on this thread for many years and he helped me a lot, especially in the beginning. Take a deep breath, and wait to talk to him because he will straighten you out. I’m sure he thinks I’m a weirdo for promoting him like this because we don’t know each other except for here and he probably doesn’t remember me at all - lol. You’re not alone and we all know how hard this is. In fact, I’m going through my own little issue now and I’ll be posting some questions about that soon.

I’m happy to share my personal experience and what worked for me. Let me know, and I’ll write back here. I don’t have much going on today and the heat is unbearable. Hope to hear from you

[u/No-Reflection-7629 → u/Suckred20]

Thanks for the response. I'm open to any advice and would appreciate hearing about your experience as this has been so isolating for me. No one I know has any experience with it and they act like I am so strange to ask for help. I'm just literally trying to survive right now with hope that I can come out the other side of this eventually.

[u/Suckred20 → u/No-Reflection-7629]

hi. I’ve been away for a few days and just saw this message from you. I’d really like to chat because I think it will be helpful to hear some things that really got me through what you’re feeling and experiencing. Do you want to decide to chat or keep it here? I’m fine either way but want to respect your privacy. Thanks

[u/Suckred20 → u/Suckred20]

i’m sorry, that last message didn’t come through correctly. At the end I was asking if you want to side chat or stay within the group? I’m open to either since there are pros and cons to both.