The Milton Family

Hello,

My name is Brita Milton and I am 51 years old, recently I was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis Bilateral Hip condition of both hips in May 2024. My Orthopedic Specialist upon evaluation and treatment after a few months of physical therapy since Dec 2023, recommended I receive (2) injections in both hips. Due, to the nature of my work which requires 8-9 hrs of long sitting which worsened the condition, he place me of work for 8 weeks with more physical therapy and a prescribed medication for joints and pain. This was a first time I had ever taken time off work for a medical condition. My employer  E-Telequote ( ETQ) provides full medical benefits which cost me close too $ 600 month including short term disability. Upon, receiving the doctor referral and work note I applied for Leave of Absence and was approved. I submitted all paperwork and access to medical records along with any pre-existing records they needed. However, after a month on LOA they indicated because I was treated for right hip under a different diagnosis which was right hip trochanteric bursitis ( inflammation) in Dec 2023, they denied my claim. The  Orthopedic specialist was notified and he submitted new referral paperwork validating the new diagnosis of both hips in May 2024 as Osteoarthritis Bilateral hip condition. Never, having experiencing this I appealed the decision because, I was now in a financial hardship due to loss wages, overdue rent, utilities, car payment, late fees, and medical co-pays as part of the medical records process. Unfortunately, this is where I am after 2 months medical leave , I have not received any short term disability payment. I have lost 2 months in wages and incurred rent late fees and overdue bills. This has been extremely stressful and I am humbly asking for help. Thank you!