Understanding Partial Disability and Returning to Work

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Partial disability describes an individual who can perform some, but not all, of the tasks required in their job due to an injury or illness.

In practical terms, a partial disability is a more probable outcome compared to a total disability.

Most clinicians (whether physicians or nurses) earn significantly more income under normal circumstances than protected through their disability policy. They want to return to work as quickly as possible, even if they cannot perform all their duties in the short term.

In our experience, many insurance policies do not adequately address what happens when the clinician suffers a partial disability. These policies don’t have enough incentives to encourage clinicians to return to work, even if they want to.

In this post, we explore the concept of partial disability, how it affects individuals, and the process of returning to work.

Types of Partial Disability

Familiarize yourself with the terms underwriters and agents use when it comes to partial disability.

More often than not, a ‘temporary partial disability’ occurs after a period when the individual concerned has been off work following an incident.

If the individual does not make a full recovery but can return to work, we can then categorize them as having one of the following:

Temporary Partial Disability: The individual can return to work but is temporarily unable to perform all their tasks due to their disability.

Permanent Partial Disability: The individual's condition is unlikely to improve, preventing them from working indefinitely.

The Impact of Partial Disability

While relatively less permanent, partial disability can often have a profound personal and professional impact. In turn, causing financial strain and emotional stress. This can affect a clinician’s self-belief in their ability to perform their job that matches their pre-disability level of function.

Financial Impact

Reduction in income - for disability benefits to kick in, you typically will need to have a minimum loss of income of 20%

Medical expenses - these can vary depending on what health insurance plan you are on

Rehabilitation costs - similar to medical expenses, the extent to which you are reimbursed for rehab costs can depend on your health insurance plan.

Emotional Impact

Depression

Anxiety

Stress

Returning to Work

Many clinicians find the prospect of returning to work after suffering an illness or injury that has led to a partial disability to be daunting.

In certain situations, particularly where there has been a head injury, clinicians may have to participate in cognitive assessments and perhaps undergo supervision while operating.

In stressful times, It helps to have a playbook to refer to that ensures a smooth transition.

1. Create a return-to-work plan.

Meet with the appropriate contact at your healthcare group or medical practice and discuss your needs with regards to the adjustments required in your workplace.

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Check if you will need any third-party assessments and what preparation might be required.

3. Get Support.

Turn to your support system during this time. Healthcare professionals can provide advice on managing your condition in the workplace and can suggest appropriate workplace adjustments.

Support from colleagues, family, and friends can provide emotional encouragement and practical assistance.

Explore any Employee Assistance Plans in place that give you access to more information on how to better prep.

4. Understand your financial position.

Check your disability policy to see what benefit amount you will receive when you return to work.

Ask your broker specifically, these 3 questions:

Is there a return to work incentive?

If so, how long do you receive the return to work incentive?

If I am still partially disabled after the expiry of the return to work period, how will my disability benefits be calculated?

5. Know Your Legal Rights and Responsibilities.

Understanding your legal rights and responsibilities is crucial when navigating partial disability in the workplace.

Employee Rights

Right to reasonable adjustments

Right to privacy about your condition

Right to non-discrimination

Employer Responsibilities

Provide reasonable adjustments

Respect employee privacy

Avoid discrimination

Hollowtree Support

Facing partial disability can be difficult, but with the right support and understanding, clinicians can continue to lead fulfilling careers.

It's important to remember that everyone's journey is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another.

Partial Disability and Returning to Work