New doctor wants me to file separate PPD claim instead of extending existing one - will I face another waiting period?

Your primary care doctor is wrong about this. They absolutely CAN extend a disability claim started by another doctor - it happens all the time. The extension process (form DE 2525XX) can be completed by any licensed physician, not just the original one. The receipt number is for the same medical condition (PPD), so it doesn't matter which doctor started it. I'd go back to your PCP and show them the EDD website section about disability extensions. Your doctor might be confusing the rules with something else. You definitely shouldn't have to start a new claim with another waiting period for the same condition.

omg i had the EXACT same thing happen with my ppd claim last year!!! my obgyn went on maternity leave (ironic right?) and my new dr was like "nope gotta start fresh" but i called edd and they said thats BS. u dont need a new claim for same condition, just new medical certification. my new dr filled out the form after i explained this and it worked fine no waiting period

As someone who processes these claims, I can confirm that your doctor is incorrect. For the same medical condition (postpartum depression), you do NOT need to file a new claim when switching physicians. The correct process is: 1. Your new doctor should complete a "Physician/Practitioner's Supplementary Certificate" (DE 2525XX) 2. This form requires your current claim ID/receipt number 3. No new waiting period is required 4. Benefits continue seamlessly if submitted before your current claim expires Many medical offices aren't familiar with EDD procedures. Print the DE 2525XX form from the EDD website and bring it to your appointment - sometimes seeing the actual form helps doctors understand.

EDD is THE WORST with their confusing instructions!!! I swear they make this stuff complicated on purpose. When I had my baby in 2024, I went through 3 different doctors for my disability period and EACH TIME I was told different things. The whole system is designed to make people give up on getting their benefits. Your doctor probably isn't being difficult on purpose - EDD just doesn't explain their processes well to medical providers. WHATEVER YOU DO - don't file a new claim!!! You'll definitely lose that week to another waiting period if you do!!

When I couldn't get through to EDD for weeks about my extension issue (similar to yours), I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending days redialing. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd The agent confirmed what others here said - for the same medical condition, your doctor just needs to submit the extension form with your existing claim number. I'd try explaining this again to your doctor, but if they still refuse, calling EDD directly might be your best option to get official clarification you can pass along to your doctor.

have u tried just going back to ur obgyn and asking them to extend it again until ur pcp figures out what theyre doing? might be easiest solution

I work at a medical office (not a doctor) and I can tell you this happens ALL THE TIME. Doctors get almost zero training on EDD paperwork and most offices have one person who kind of knows how it works. Your doctor might legitimately not know they can extend someone else's claim. Instead of arguing, maybe say something like "I spoke with EDD and they said for continuing the same condition, you just need to fill out form DE 2525XX rather than starting a new claim. I brought a copy of the form with me." Most doctors will appreciate you making it easier for them!

Just to follow up on what everyone has said - the law is clear that for the same disability (postpartum depression), you have ONE benefit period regardless of how many doctors treat you during that time. Starting a new claim would actually be improper since you're continuing treatment for the same condition. If your doctor still refuses after you provide the DE 2525XX form, ask to speak with the office manager or medical records department, as they often have more experience with disability paperwork. As a last resort, you can have EDD contact your doctor's office directly to explain the process.

I went through something similar with my anxiety/depression claim a few months ago. My psychiatrist moved practices and the new office initially told me the same thing - that they couldn't extend a claim started elsewhere. What worked for me was printing out the EDD FAQ page that specifically addresses this situation. There's a section that says "Any licensed physician can complete disability forms for your claim, regardless of who started it." I brought that page along with the DE 2525XX form to my appointment. The medical assistant actually thanked me because she said they get these situations all the time but weren't sure of the correct procedure. Now they know for future patients! Sometimes it's just a matter of the office staff not being familiar with EDD rules rather than the doctor being difficult. Hang in there with your PPD recovery - the stress of dealing with paperwork definitely doesn't help, but you've got this! 💙