Managing Short-Term Disability (STD) claims can be challenging for employers. Every medical absence requires careful review, timely communication, and informed decision-making while balancing the needs of both the employee and the organization.
Disability Management Institute's (DMI) Advice to Pay Program provides employers with expert support in adjudicating and managing Self Insured Short-Term Disability claims. Through comprehensive claim reviews and function-focused assessments, DMI helps employers make informed decisions while supporting employee recovery and return-to-work planning.
Supporting Employers Through the Claims Process
Managing Short-Term Disability claims requires balancing medical information, policy provisions, and operational needs, all while supporting employees through their recovery. Having expert guidance can help employers make informed, consistent decisions throughout the process. Advice to Pay is a self-insured Short-Term Disability solution that provides employers with expert support throughout the claims adjudication process.
When an employee submits a Short-Term Disability claim, the employer notifies DMI and the claim is assigned to a dedicated Case Manager. DMI gathers the necessary claim forms, medical information, and absence details before completing a comprehensive, function-focused analysis.
The review considers a wide range of factors, including medical information, policy provisions, functional abilities, occupational demands, and other factors unique to the employee that may influence their recovery.
Once the review is complete, DMI provides the employer with:
- A recommendation on whether the claim meets the criteria for approval
- An estimated recovery timeline
- Return-to-work recommendations where appropriate
A Comprehensive, Function-Focused Review
Every absence is different, which is why DMI looks beyond the medical diagnosis alone.
Our Advice to Pay Program considers all factors that may influence an employee's absence, including:
- Medical information
- Functional abilities
- Occupational demands
- Non-medical factors that may impact recovery
- The employer's Short-Term Disability policy provisions
This comprehensive approach helps ensure every recommendation is made in the context of both the employee's recovery and the employer's absence management program.
How Advice to Pay Supports Employers
Comprehensive Reviews
DMI considers all factors that influence an absence, including medical, functional, occupational, non-medical, and policy considerations. This provides employers with a complete picture of each claim before making a decision.
An Impartial Perspective
Claims are assessed without bias and in the context of the employer's absence management and Short-Term Disability plan. Employers receive objective recommendations that support fair and consistent decision-making.
Proactive Return-to-Work Planning
From the beginning of every referral, DMI focuses on minimizing absence duration while identifying opportunities for a safe and sustainable return to work.
By emphasizing functional abilities alongside medical information, modified return-to-work opportunities can often be identified earlier in the recovery process.
Confidence for Employers
Having a trusted partner provides confidence that employees are receiving appropriate support while employers receive expert guidance that considers both operational needs and successful recovery outcomes.
Flexible Support That Fits Your Organization
The Advice to Pay Program can be delivered on a case-by-case basis or through a monthly retainer model, with monthly costs based on your organization's previous claims history.
This flexible approach gives employers greater predictability for absence management planning and budgeting while ensuring timely access to DMI's disability management expertise.
Better Outcomes Through Expert Support
Effective Short-Term Disability management is about more than adjudicating claims. It requires timely support, thoughtful decision-making, and a proactive approach throughout the employee's recovery.
Helping employees successfully return to work during the Short-Term Disability period can reduce absence duration and may prevent claims from progressing to Long-Term Disability. Throughout the process, employees receive personalized support from a dedicated DMI Case Manager, reinforcing an employer's commitment to employee health and well-being.
Want to learn more? Contact DMI to learn how our Advice to Pay Program can help your organization confidently manage Short-Term Disability claims while supporting your employees throughout their recovery.
