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What
is your background, training, professional
accreditation? Our counsellors have
a variety of background and training. They
all have a Master’s level of education
or higher along with a minimum of 10 years
as an EFAP counsellor.
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Can I bring in my
family? Yes. You are welcome to bring
a support person, or if the problem / concern
involves a family member, they can attend.
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How many sessions can I attend?
It varies. Sometimes people come in just once,
to talk things over with a person and help
with their decision-making. Generally there
are 3-5 sessions with a counsellor.
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What if I need more sessions?
If there are a limited number of sessions
needed, our counsellor will seek approval
for an extension. However, if it appears that
there is long-term counselling needed, your
counsellor will help you move to another care
provider who can give you the help you need.
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What
if I have a different problem in a few months,
can I come back to see you? Yes.
Just call and make an appointment.
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Do
I have to pay for these sessions?
Generally this is a benefit that is covered
through your employer. However, please contact
OHI regarding specific benefit entitlement
for your individual company.
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If I do not like
my counsellor, can I request a new one?
Yes. It is very important to feel comfortable
with your counsellor. When you call in for
another appointment, request that a new counsellor
be assigned.
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Can
any member of my family see a counsellor?
If your family member is a spouse, or a dependent
child, they can access our services.
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Do you have evening appointments?
Yes.
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What is an OHI case / care
manager and why do they need to be involved
in my claim? OHI case and care managers
are an added benefit of your disability benefit
plan. They partner with you and your family
doctor (and other care providers) to ensure
you are receiving appropriate treatment in
a timely manner and can assist with arranging
medical tests and treatment, if required.
They also are a source of information, support
and education regarding your medical condition
during your illness and recovery. When you
are ready to return to work, they will assist
in the return to work planning, and follow
up with you and your employer until you are
back to full duties.
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How
and when will I receive my STD benefits?
In most cases, your employer will pay your
short-term disability benefits directly to
you via whatever method is currently in place,
ie. direct deposit or cheque. These payments
occur once the OHI Adjudicator has made a
decision on your STD claim eligibility and
a notice is sent to your employer –
generally within 24-48 hours of receiving
the required information to make the decision.
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How does OHI make decisions
regarding my claim? OHI bases decisions
on objective medical information gathered
from your family physician and other care
providers. Other resources/tools consulted
include medical practice guidelines with duration
information and internal clinical resources
with expertise in disability management.
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Is
my medical information kept confidential?
Yes, OHI adjudicators, case and care managers
adhere to a national privacy policy (PIPEDA)
that prevents us from disclosing any confidential
medical information without your written consent.
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What
if I am unable to return to work during the
short-term disability period? OHI
will assist by either requesting your employer
to send out a long-term disability application
package to you, or OHI does this for some
employers. OHI will also send a release of
information form for you to sign which will
authorize OHI to send all relevant medical
information on the OHI file to your Long-term
disability insurer to assist them in making
a decision regarding your eligibility to LTD
benefits. In some cases, OHI may remain involved
if/when you transition to LTD benefits –
this decision is determined individually.
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Often
there are questions regarding medical issues
and treatments such as medications. Your case/care
Manager will address these questions individually
with you depending on your medical diagnosis
and prescribed treatment.
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