Question

My company sent me to a LCSW, but MetLife doesn't think she is a qualified practioner, so they won't look at the claim. What do I do?

Asked on March 7th 2014 by Thomas
I am an employee of Verizon and I went out on Short term disability due to emotional stress and anxiety. My company gave me a list of people that I could see so I picked the first name on the list. This person is a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of NJ. She faxed in all my paperwork, and now MetLife says she is not a psychologist so they will not look at the claim! My own company referred me to her! And on the letter MetLife sent me when I was out, it says have your Doctor or “Qualified Practitioner” fill out the medical history. I asked them what they mean by qualified practitioner and they say psychologist or psychiatrist, however clinical definition of LCSW can also prescribe! What do I do?

Answer

Answered on March 8th 2014 by Attorney Jay Symonds

Thomas, It might be wise to start treatment with a Psychologist or Psychiatrist in conjunction with your LCSW. I am of the opinion the LCSW is a Qualified Practitioner, but with that being said MetLife would most likely look to trump any opinion of the LCSW with that of a Psychologist or Psychiatrist.

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