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Dr. Stephanie Pearson on Workplace Injury, Invisible Disability Claims, and Disability Insurance Pitfalls

Dr. Stephanie Pearson, an OB-GYN, describes how a workplace shoulder injury during a delivery led to chronic pain, failed surgery outcomes, job termination after FMLA, and denial of her hospital disability coverage due to a fine-print work-injury exclusion, followed by a disputed workers’ comp claim and a settlement after litigation. She explains how invisible or subjective conditions (e.g., chronic pain, fibromyalgia, headaches) are often doubted by clinicians and challenged by insurers, why “gray” cases face scrutiny, and how documentation of worst-day functional limits and timely medical-record collection are critical, including possible IMEs. Pearson contrasts employer group vs private disability insurance, highlighting taxable group benefits, benefit caps, portability issues, and common two-year limitations for subjective illnesses, while private policies depend on underwriting, exclusions, and participation limits. She also discusses underwriting impacts of medical coding, runs a physician peer support group, and shares personal recovery supports and her company’s client advocacy approach.

00:00 Meet Dr Pearson
01:23 Injury In Delivery Room
02:25 Surgery And Termination
03:03 Denied And Sued
04:11 Mental Health Crisis
05:54 New Purpose And Company
06:40 Invisible Illness Bias
09:05 Building A Paper Trail
12:59 Independent Medical Exams
16:33 Group Versus Private Coverage
19:25 Subjective Illness Limits
23:12 Underwriting Exclusions
24:28 Fibromyalgia Stigma
25:15 Contracts And Legal Review
25:44 Coverage Limits Explained
28:44 Underwriting and Intake Process
29:54 Medical History Surprises
32:10 No Underwriting Options
33:32 Psych Diagnosis Pitfalls
36:26 Staying Properly Insured
38:44 Claims Su

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When I started this podcast and YouTube Channel—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 29+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace per...