Time off work - Short term disability

[NPR 11]

Hello,

Did any of you take time off from work that extended to short term disability? How long and any of you have your surgery in Mexico and still got your disability approved?

I know that I will need the time off that goes beyond what I have left in my sick and vacation, but I am nervous about not getting the disability approved because the surgery was in Mexico.

The forms for short term disability ask what type of surgery and the doctors address. Sigh...

Anyone experience this?

[Proud2BMe 1,016]

I've never heard of such. Unless you are already severely unhealthy then it should not be a problem where you would have to take disability. You can return to a desk job within a few days after surgery. A job that requires you to be on your feet all day is different.

[KristenLe 5,979]

@@NPR I can imagine it may be complicated to apply for short-term disability having your surgery in Mexico. In my State, you have to actually bring your paperwork/application to the physician to have completed. It doesn't hurt to try though! I'm taking sick time and applying for temporary disability (TDI) for my time off. I have paid into TDI - so I'm taking advantage of it.

[Christinamo7 4,041]

I did not with my WLS, but I did with my hysterectomy last fall. for my company it was pretty easy and the paperwork was something that they could fill out and fax, so it would not have really mattered where my surgery was.

[Sparkles!! 77]

Actually, I'm scheduled for surgery in Mexico in July, and will be using short term disability as part of my FMLA paperwork. Honestly, it wasn't a big deal at all. I haven't been shy about what my surgery is for or where it's happening. I worked with my coordinator to send the FMLA paperwork to the surgeon's secretary. Once she's done filling everything out, she sends it back to me, and I file it with my HR rep.

My employer required that I submit the time under FMLA because I was going to be staying overnight in the hospital. So far my employer has been remarkably supportive of my choice. I hope yours will do the same.

One thing to be aware of, is that you will need clearance to return to work, which will mostly likely mean that you will need to go to your pcp for the all-clear. Speak with them and make sure they are okay with doing that. My doctor was, but I know there are some who balk at the idea of follow-up for procedures outside of the US.

I don't pretend to know everything about the process, but feel free to message me if you have more questions.

[giaandnatsmom 23]

I did because I am out for a few weeks (due to the job requirements) I did have time saved but not enough.