Can I file EDD SDI with temporary doctor while husband waits for rehab transfer?

yes u can file with current doc and update later. my wife had similar situation last yr when she broke her leg skiing. started claim with ER doc then switched to ortho specialist and just had to submit a form. not a big deal at all

You absolutely should file as soon as possible. The EDD allows for changing medical providers during a claim - this happens frequently when patients transfer facilities. Your husband's current doctor will need to complete the initial medical certification (DE 2501), and when he transfers, you'll need to have the new doctor submit an updated medical certification. Most importantly, don't wait any longer as SDI claims can only be backdated 49 days, and you're already 3 weeks in. Also, ensure your husband hasn't collected any unemployment insurance within the same period as SDI, as this would create an eligibility conflict.

Your situation sounds really stressful! My mom went through something kinda similar when she had her stroke last summer. She was in a hospital 2 hours away for like 3 weeks before they could transfer her closer to home. Sending good vibes your way!! 💕

I had to change doctors THREE TIMES during my SDI claim last year due to insurance issues. What a nightmare dealing with EDD! Each time I had to get the new doctor to fill out forms, then EDD would put my payments on hold for "verification" which took FOREVER. One time my payment was delayed by 6 weeks!!! Make sure you call them immediately when your husband transfers to the new facility. Don't wait for them to contact you or you'll end up with a payment gap.

After struggling to reach EDD for WEEKS about my doctor change situation (busy signals, disconnections, hours on hold), I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to an actual human at EDD in under 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd. The agent walked me through exactly what forms I needed from my new doctor and even put notes in my file about the expected doctor change so there wouldn't be payment delays. Seriously saved my sanity during a really stressful time.

Filing with the current doctor is fine, but there's something important you need to know: When switching medical providers mid-claim, make sure the new doctor properly documents the CONTINUING nature of the disability. The biggest issue people face isn't changing doctors itself - it's when the new doctor records different medical findings or recovery timelines that contradict the first doctor. This can trigger a medical review that freezes payments. I recommend getting a complete copy of all medical records from the current facility to give to the new doctor, and specifically request they acknowledge the continuation of the same disability. Also, don't forget about the 7-day waiting period - benefits aren't paid for the first week of disability, so your husband's payments would start from day 8 of his condition.

DONT WAIT TO FILE!!!! My cousin waited too long to file SDI after his surgery and lost out on like $1800 because EDD wouldn't backdate!! The current doctor situation isn't as big a problem as waiting too long to apply!!

Regarding your question about unemployment and SDI - yes, he should be fine since he stopped certifying for UI before the accident. Just make sure the start date of his disability claim is after the last UI payment received. The EDD system will flag any overlapping benefit periods automatically. Also, be prepared that they may request employment verification since he had a recent job loss before the disability. This is standard procedure and nothing to worry about.

I'm going through almost the exact situation right now! What worked for me was having the current doctor note in the medical certification that patient will be transferring to another facility. Then when my husband did transfer, I called EDD immediately (took forever to get through) and they sent a supplemental form for the new doctor to complete. As long as there's no gap in medical certification, there shouldn't be a gap in payments either. Good luck with everything!

I'm so sorry to hear about your husband's accident! As someone who works in medical administration, I can tell you that changing doctors during an SDI claim is actually pretty common and the system is designed to handle it. The key is to be proactive about communication with EDD. When you file initially, make sure the current doctor includes a note about the expected transfer in the medical certification. Also, I'd suggest calling EDD's SDI line (1-800-480-3287) right after you submit the initial claim to put a note in your husband's file about the anticipated doctor change - this can help prevent automatic holds on payments later. The medical continuity is what matters most, not which specific doctor is treating him. You're doing the right thing by not waiting any longer!