Addressing Behavioral Health In Disability Claims Is Essential To A Worker’s Recovery

A workplace injury or illness can be daunting. Life becomes uncertain. Questions arise about having enough money or retaining the same physical abilities after recovery. The mental anguish can make the entire situation worse.

“Facing a major illness or injury, the prospect of not working, and other stressors can contribute to behavioral health issues that can easily be comorbid conditions requiring extra care and more time for recovery,” said Trish Ward, associate director of clinical services at Sun Life U.S.

Ward shared her view during a recent webinar, “2020 Tools & Tactics: Innovations in Clinical Claims Management,” presented by Sun Life and the Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC) held on December 8.

She advocated for behavioral health to be addressed with every disability claimant — whether it’s the primary diagnosis or not.

Addressing behavioral health on every claim is no easy task.