Noteboom The Law Firm

Conflicts of Interest Found in Expert Panels that Issue Medical Guidelines

The Wall Street Journal reports that conflicts of interest have been found in expert panels that issue medical guidelines. Long-term disability benefits could be available when you're not able to work for an extended period of time, due to a severe medical condition that wasn't properly treated or diagnosed. While you're not bringing income into your home, disability benefits can help.

Medical guidelines are depended upon by the medical field and patients; however, some expert panels have financial interests, which could skew things. According to the Institute of Medicine, they don't recommend any expert panels that have financial investments into a company trying to sell their product, being involved in the establishment of medical guidelines.

Furthermore, they also don't believe that they or their family members should be part of the advisory boards of those companies or involved in marketing activities.

Researchers discovered that out of 14 medical guidelines pertaining to screening or treatment of diabetes and high cholesterol, published by groups in the United States and Canada, 52% of the expert panel members had a conflict of interest.

They also found that non-governmental groups were the ones most likely to have expert panels with a financial conflict of interest.

If you'd like to know your rights after you've been diagnosed with a severe medical condition that can disable you from work, you should speak with an Atlanta long-term disability lawyer.

Long-term disability benefits may be available to those who have purchased a disability plan from a private insurer or have coverage through an employer. Unfortunately, the insurers don't make it easy for the disabled to get access to the benefits they deserve.

When a severe medical condition makes it impossible for you to work and you've been denied your long-term disability benefits, an attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg, P.A. can help you cut through the red tape and fight for your benefits, no matter where you live in the U.S! Contact an Atlanta long-term disability lawyer today - 1-888-234-5758.