Will doctors fill out Short Term Disability forms for a tummy tuck for employers?

I am always happy to complete these forms.  Medical indications for time off work following surgery include mandatory bed rest, wound care, antibiotics, narcotic pain medication, no driving etc.  As doctors we have to be truthful and answer all questions honestly, but usually these requirements are sufficient to allow time off work.

This request comes up all the time in my practice.  It can be a bit tricky.  The reason is that if you are having a tummy tuck, it is an elective cosmetic procedure.  Insurance will not pay for it, and in the vast majority of cases you will have a difficult time getting short-term disability because this is reserved for a patient who has been injured or gets sick and needs time away from work.  We always work with our patients and will fill out any forms that their job provided as long as they are aware that we will fill out the forms truthfully.  Most patients just use their own accumulated paid time off.  If a patient has a "desk job" I usually only require one week off work.  If the patient has more of a labor-intensive job, at least 2 weeks off is required.