When filing for short or long term disability benefits, the significance of objective medical evidence cannot be overstated. One powerful diagnostic tool that has become integral to validating and substantiating disability claims is the Computed Tomography (“CT”) scan. CT scans are versatile imaging tools widely used in medical diagnostics. These advanced imaging studies offer a detailed glimpse into the internal structures of the body, providing objective evidence of various medical conditions.
Whether seeking short term disability benefits or navigating the complexities of long term disability claims, the information gleaned from CT scans can play a pivotal role in establishing the severity and impact of impairments on your ability to work. In this article, we’ll discuss the ways CT scans serve as compelling documentation that can strengthen your short and/or long term disability claim.
What conditions can the CT scan diagnose or substantiate?
Computed tomography (“CT”) scans are powerful imaging tools that can diagnose or provide valuable information about a wide range of medical conditions. Here are some conditions that CT scans are commonly used to diagnose or substantiate:
Trauma and Injuries: CT scans are often used to assess injuries to bones, joints, and soft tissues, especially in cases of trauma such as fractures, dislocations, and head and brain injuries.
Cancer and Lymphoma: CT scans are widely used for cancer diagnosis, staging, and monitoring. They can detect tumors, determine their size and location, and assess whether cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Infections: CT scans can help identify and locate infections in various parts of the body, such as the lungs, abdomen, and pelvis.
Cardiovascular Conditions: CT angiography is a specialized form of CT scanning that can visualize blood vessels and assess conditions such as atherosclerosis, aneurysms, and vascular malformations.
Pulmonary Conditions: CT scans of the chest are commonly used to diagnose and evaluate lung conditions such as pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, COPD, and lung cancer.
Abdominal and Pelvic Conditions: CT scans can provide detailed images of abdominal and pelvic organs, helping to diagnose conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders, kidney stones, and reproductive system issues.
Neurological Conditions: CT scans of the brain are valuable for detecting and evaluating conditions like strokes, brain tumors, hemorrhages, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological disorders.
Musculoskeletal Conditions: CT scans are useful for assessing bone and joint disorders, including arthritis, degenerative conditions, and congenital abnormalities.
Spinal Conditions: CT scans can visualize the spine and help diagnose conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, facet arthropathy, and fractures.
Liver and Kidney Disorders: CT imaging is commonly used to evaluate the liver and kidneys, assisting in the diagnosis of conditions like cirrhosis, liver tumors, and kidney stones.
Gastrointestinal Conditions: CT scans can provide detailed images of the gastrointestinal tract and assist in diagnosing conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, and bowel obstructions.
What does the CT scan involve?
The CT scan operates by utilizing X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. The process involves a rotating X-ray tube and a ring of detectors. The patient lies on a moving table that passes through the center of the CT scanner. It’s important to remain as still as possible during the scan to ensure clear images. Depending on the area being scanned, you may be asked to hold your breath briefly.
As the X-ray tube rotates around the patient, it emits X-rays that pass through the body, with detectors measuring the intensity of the transmitted X-rays. The table may move through the scanner during the procedure, and the scanner may make multiple passes to obtain images from different angles. A technologist will monitor the procedure from an adjacent room and communicate with you through an intercom.
The collected data is then processed by a computer, which uses algorithms to reconstruct cross-sectional images of the scanned area. The result is a detailed representation of internal structures, aiding in the diagnosis of various medical conditions.
The actual scan typically takes only a few minutes, but the entire procedure may take longer if preparation and contrast administration are involved. A contrast agent may be used to enhance visibility of the scan images. The contrast may be administered orally, intravenously (through an IV line), or both. After the scan is complete, you can usually resume your normal activities. If a contrast agent was used, you may be asked to drink plenty of fluids to help eliminate it from your system.
While CT scans are quick, painless, and valuable diagnostic tools, they do come with some associated risks and considerations. The primary concern is the exposure to ionizing radiation, which can have potential health effects. CT scans use X-rays, which are a form of ionizing radiation. Although the doses used in CT scans are generally considered safe, repeated or excessive exposure to ionizing radiation over time may increase the risk of cancer. Pregnant women, in particular, are advised to inform their healthcare providers, as radiation exposure can potentially harm the developing fetus.
If you are undergoing a CT scan, it’s essential to have a discussion with your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of the procedure, especially if you are pregnant, have a history of allergies, or have pre-existing health conditions. Additionally, if you have any concerns or questions about the procedure, it’s advisable to discuss them with your healthcare provider or the imaging staff beforehand.
In many cases, the benefits of obtaining crucial diagnostic information outweigh the risks associated with radiation exposure. Advancements in CT technology, including dose-reduction techniques and improved imaging protocols, aim to minimize radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
How can the CT scan help my short or long term disability claim?
A CT scan may significantly help support your short or long term disability claim, particularly if it provides objective evidence of the severity of your medical condition. When applying for disability insurance benefits, the key is to demonstrate that your medical condition(s) significantly impair your ability to work.
Here are some ways in which a CT scan may contribute to your disability claim:
Objective Evidence: CT scans provide objective visual evidence of the internal structures of your body. This can be crucial in supporting the medical documentation required for a disability claim.
Confirmation of Diagnoses: If your CT scan confirms a serious medical condition or a diagnosis, it can strengthen your claim with your insurance company.
Severity of Impairments: The results of a CT scan may help establish the severity of your impairments. Severe conditions that significantly limit your ability to work may increase the likelihood of your short or long term disability claim being approved.
Impact on Functional Abilities: A CT scan can provide insight into how your medical condition affects your daily functioning and ability to perform work-related activities. This information is crucial for disability claim determinations.
Consistency in Medical Records: If the findings of the CT scan align with other medical records, test results, and clinical assessments, it creates a more comprehensive and consistent medical history, strengthening the credibility of your disability claim.
Longitudinal Evidence: If you have multiple CT scans over time, they can provide a longitudinal view of the progression or stability of your condition, which may be important in assessing the duration and persistence of your impairments.
It’s important to note that a single piece of medical evidence, including a CT scan, is usually considered in the context of your overall medical history and the impact of your condition on your ability to work. In addition to imaging studies, your short or long term disability claim may also rely on other medical records, reports from treating physicians, and information about your functional limitations.
When applying for short or long term disability insurance benefits, it’s always advisable to consult with an long term disability attorney who can help you navigate the complex application process, gather the necessary medical evidence, and present a strong case to your insurance company.
How can The Maddox Firm prove my short or long term disability claim?
The Maddox Firm has successfully handled hundreds of disability insurance claims, appeals, and litigations for our clients, many involving those with complex diagnoses requiring CT scans. We can help you determine whether the CT scan is beneficial for your short or long term disability claim.
Here are a few of the ways The Maddox Firm helps with short and/or long term disability claims:
The Maddox Firm will examine your disability insurance policy. The Maddox Firm starts by conducting a meticulous examination of your short or long term disability insurance policy. This ensures a comprehensive understanding of the terms, conditions, and any potential limitations within your policy, laying the foundation for a strategic and tailored approach to your claim.
The Maddox Firm takes over all communication with your insurance company. Once retained, The Maddox Firm takes on the responsibility of handling all interactions with your insurance company. This includes ensuring that your rights are protected, negotiating on your behalf, and providing responses to inquiries or requests for information.
The Maddox Firm will gather and review your medical evidence. The strength of your disability claim often hinges on compelling medical evidence. The Maddox Firm is dedicated to gathering and scrutinizing your medical records thoroughly. By delving into the details of your medical history, treatments, and prognosis, we build a robust case that substantiates the impact of your medical condition on your ability to work. If there are any gaps, inaccuracies, or potential red flags, we work to proactively mitigate these before submitting to your insurance company.
The Maddox Firm will help obtain additional evidence for your disability claim. Recognizing the importance of a comprehensive case, The Maddox Firm goes the extra mile to obtain any additional evidence necessary to fortify your short or long term disability claim. Whether it involves obtaining expert opinions, witness statements, or referring you for additional testing, our commitment is to leave no stone unturned in building a compelling case on your behalf.
The Maddox Firm will file an appeal, litigation, or negotiate a settlement with your insurance company on your behalf. If your short or long term disability claim has been denied or terminated, The Maddox Firm can help. We will prepare and file an administrative appeal on your behalf with additional evidence supporting your claim for benefits. If needed, we can represent you in litigation with your insurance company. The Maddox Firm regularly handles disability insurance appeals, litigation, and negotiations.
It is always recommended you consult with an attorney before filing a short or long term disability claim on your own. If you have already received a denial or termination of benefits, you speak with an long term disability attorney before filing an appeal or suing your insurance company. The experienced team at The Maddox Firm will review your insurance policy, correspondence from your insurance company, medical records, and any other relevant documentation in order to give you personalized guidance on how we can help you win your short and/or long term disability claim.
Whether you are filing a claim for the first time, appealing a claim denial, or facing litigation against your insurance company, The Maddox Firm can help.