FMLA Paperwork

stina76

I am bringing my FMLA paperwork to my doctor's appt on Wed.  First question - who actually fills it out, the doctor or the nurse?  Also, I'm bringing my short term disability forms also.  I put on both the FMLA and the STD forms that I would like to stop work the week before my due date because I have a long commute and am on my feet at a lot (work in a school.)  When I first brought the timing to my doctor (didn't know if this would be too early to stop working) she said that it wouldn't be a problem at all.  I've had a really good pregnancy (don't want to jinx myself!) and this appointment is with a different doctor so I'm not sure they will feel the same way?  The short term disability people will not approve a claim until you deliver unless you have had pregnancy complications.   They offer 6 weeks paid leave on STD, but if that runs into my summer break,  it ends.  If I stop working the week before my due date, it is exactly 6 weeks.  But if I go after my due date, it could be 5 weeks or even shorter time of paid time.  Not really fair, since I planned to have my baby close to the end of the school year.  If I would had him in the middle of the year, I would get the full 6 weeks with no issues.  This is a new policy my district just started using this year.  I'm not sure what type of complication is needed for STD to sign off on a claim the week before my due date.  Anyone know?  I'm sure all companies are different (my district goes through Segwick) but just wondering about other's experiences.      

momo214

I only have FMLA and it says for the doctor to fill out and sign. Now if they actually do, who knows. The nurse may fill it out and stamp the doctors signature. No STD here so I can't be of any help. It seems like if your paychecks are broken up to continue through summer you should get your full 6 weeks. I guess of you don't get paid during summer then that's different.

softservecity

I brought mine in and they took it and had it back to me at my next appointment. I think the docs assistant actually fills it out and doc signs it in my office. I'm also stopping a week before date and they had no issues with this.

whitehousem

Starting your FMLA a week early shouldn't be a problem, that's between you and your dr. That was my plan last time and then I switched it to three weeks early bc it was having terrible rib pain and couldn't sit at a desk all day. They adjusted the paperwork and I resubmitted it. I think the nurse filled mine out and stamped the dr's signature. My STD worked like yours and there were no exceptions that I heard of (maybe bed rest would be the exception?). I think all you can do is hope your baby comes one week early.

chknma

STD policies differ depending on the contract they have with your employer. Usually they will request medical records from your provider to make a determination on your case. I would discuss it with your provider and go from there. I filed for my STD today because I was pulled from work last week due to a complication. The claims rep asked me for the diagnosis that is preventing me from working, So I would think your provider's records would have to reflect on that.

JKTTC1

We had to drop ours off and the nurse actually completed them. They also charge $10 to fill them out which is crazy since there's only a few spots they write on!

I was taken out of work at 30 weeks so they filled out FMLA paperwork and my short term disability which has a 14 day hding period and then will pay up to 90 days (which there aren't 90 left before summer break) but it covered 45 days and then there will be about 20 days left before summer break I can reapply for!

I also had sick bank (didn't have t last time with DS) so I'm getting regular pay until baby is born (now I'm hoping he holds out till closer to due date) and t cuts off as soon as baby is born, plus my short term disability check!

BellaBlues777

Doctors' offices are charging to fill these out?!?! Seems kind of ridiculous to me. Mine didn't charge anything and completed and faxed the forms the day after I gave them to them.

SMM1986

I'm just gonna pop in here to complain. My paperwork is so messed up and I'm pretty sure my ass isn't going to get paid. I'm doing what I can, but it's not looking good.

Lizmullen

The company my company uses is matrix.. I just spoke to them yesterday and they are actually faxing the forms to my provider? Something about they make 3 attempts and then If the provider doesn't send back I'm responsible for getting them filled out. I'm just worried about the dates, especially if I go later than the due date. I'm hoping it is simple but I have a feeling there's going to be a nice gap in pay right at the beginning!

gutsysneakers

Am I missing something here? Do all employers make you have your OB (or nurse) fill out some type of FMLA paperwork? My FMLA was approved and I didn't need to have anyone fill out paperwork besides myself and my supervisor (& HR). 

Unknown

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SMM1986

My paperwork is for STD and not FMLA. 

@Lizmullen mine is also Matrix. Stay on top of it. They told me they weren't receiving anything from the OB, I get the papers yesterday (since I'm now at the point where I'm close to not getting paid because my claim is going to close) and the OB office was apparently being faxed all the wrong papers? So I bring the right ones in and have them done and call the Matrix rep and he tells me they also need my medical record (I stopped working at 35 weeks due to SPD, RLP and sciatic). Like you couldn't tell me that before?! It's been incredibly frustrating so far. I finally get all the papers (which I am about to scan and email to the rep) and when I looked at my record, I did not see one mention of any type of pain in there! So the rep is going to tell me there's no medical reason for my claim, I think.

stina76

Jcrewgirl85 - I think it depends on your company.  My school district FMLA paperwork says that I have to have the medical provider fill out certain parts.  

SMM1986 - I'm pretty sure I will have a gap in pay also.  We first have to use what's left of our 10 sick days (which I have 2 left) then if the claim is approved, the benefit kicks in. If it doesn't get approved, I won't be getting paid until the delivery date.   

SMM1986

@stina76 that's very similar to how my company works. We have to use 5 sick days, which I have already done. I'm hoping the claim gets approved, but when I look at my record I don't see what I think needs to be in there. Because it's MY fault the right documentation isn't in the record? Like I would just be like "Oh I'm not working anymore" without approval/direction of a physician? Please.