Physicians who practice insurance medicine work in health, life, disability, and long-term care insurance. This resource focuses on disability insurance medicine.

If you want to leave clinical medicine, but you still want to use your clinical skills, “physician brain”, and earn a reasonable salary, a role in disability insurance medicine might be right for you!

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review and interpret medical records of the member who is insured or being considered for insurance.
• Use medical knowledge to assess functional capacity and determine impairment.
• Apply evidence-based medicine, Federal and State regulations, and company policy to morbidity risk assessments.
• Apply your medical perspective to help develop company policies and procedures to applications and claims.
• Consult with and educate underwriters, legal, and compliance staff.

Note:

• You are not responsible for treatment.
• You are not making the eligibility or payout determination. You are giving a medical opinion.

WHAT TYPE OF PHYSICIAN IS A GOOD FIT?

You are skilled at chart review and interpretation of medical data and test results.

You know how to access, interpret, and apply evidence-based medicine to decisions.

You have an analytic way of thinking and an approachable personality.

You enjoy creative problem solving, discussing cases with colleagues, and teaching.

You prefer to work Weekdays only, no call or weekends.

Any specialty can perform IME’s. Most desired are psychiatry, neurology, orthopedics, pain medicine, physical medicine & rehab, or occupational medicine.

QUALIFICATIONS

MD/DO or international equivalent.

Must have clinical experience beyond residency.

Board certification and an active medical license are often required.

Certification from the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners is not necessary but a bonus.

WHO ARE THE EMPLOYERS?

Mutual of Omaha, MassMutual, Ameritas are examples of insurance companies that provide opportunities for full-time employment.

COMPENSATION

Compensation generally mirrors clinical compensation.

Compensation and Pension exams for Veterans: Range ~USD 700.- USD 1,200+ per day.
Full-time employed roles: Range ~USD 97,000- USD 350,000.
IME’s: Range from ~USD 80/hour to USD 170+/hour.

TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION

These organizations provide training courses, certification, and the opportunity to be listed in their expert directories:

American College of Independent Medical Examiners

SEAK

American College of occupational and environmental medicine

TIPS ON LANDING A ROLE IN DISABILITY INSURANCE

Sign up to perform Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) as a physician consultant or disability reviewer. Then add the experience to your resume. A list of companies is provided below.*

Search for positions on LinkedIn, Indeed, and company websites.

Roles to search for:
Medical Director, Physician disability reviewer, Disability review physician, Physician Consultant.

EXAMPLES OF COMPANIES* WHERE YOU CAN SIGN UP TO BE A PHYSICIAN REVIEWER.

QTC is a large provider of medical, disability, and occupational health examinations. Use this link to sign up.

MLP IME services is a physician-owned and operated IME and expert witness service. Use this link to sign up.

https://veteranprovidergroup.com is a physician consulting group that performs disability exams on Veterans. You will perform chart review and on-site assessments.

* I am not affiliated with these companies. Please do your due diligence and research before signing up with them.

SUMMARY

Consider a role as physician reviewer or medical director in disability medicine if you enjoy performing chart reviews, using your physician brain, working from home, and earning close to a clinical income.