Question
My doctor won't fill out a capacity questionnaire, and Prudential won't accept my PT doing it. What can I do?
I am a disabled RN who has had seven neurosurgeries, including 2 recent brain surgeries, over the past 2 years. Prudential requires me to complete these Activity of Daily Living questionnaires every 3-6 months. They are also requiring that my physician complete a Capacity questionnaire. My primary physician doesn’t handles these at all. He refers me to PT. Prudential refuses to accept it if PT fills it out. My neurosurgeon is hundreds of miles away from me. What on earth can I do?
Answer
Jamie, it is not uncommon that a PCP won’t fill out a capacity questionnaire. One potential solution is to ask your PCP to send you for a functional capacity evaluation (performed by a PT) that documents your physical restrictions and limitations as it relates to the ability to work in a classified Department of Labor physical demand level (sedentary, light, medium, heavy, very heavy). With the results of the exam your PCP could complete the form using the testing as the basis for his opinion. Additionally, given the severity of your conditions Prudential may be willing to negotiate a lump sum buyout of your policy. Please feel free to contact our office should you like to discuss further.
