WHY YOU NEED RECORDS FROM YOUR OWN DOCTOR?

In Social Security disability claims, it is infinitely better to have medical records from your own doctor(s).  

Decision makers want to see at least 12 months of recent medical treatment.  In cases where this treatment doesn't exist, Social Security may send you for a special consultative examination (CE), performed by a doctor under contract with Social Security to furnish these exams.

Maybe a  CE is better than no evidence at all, maybe not.  My experience is that consultative exams usually do not help get claims approved.

There are some things that your own doctor can provide that a consulting doctor cannot:

•   History of treatment; what has worked, what hasn't.
•  Medications and therapy that has been tried.
•  Response to treatment.
•  Prognosis - What course is your illness likely to take?
•  Opinion with regard to your physical/mental limitations.

If I had to list the Number One factor that helps claimants get approved for disability benefits, it would be an adequate medical record.  

Here are some further suggestions as you seek medical treatment, with regard to how the treatment may affect your chances with Social Security:

• Try to see a physician (MD or DO), or a Physician's Assistant (PA), as opposed to a nurse practitioner.  
• Follow doctor's orders (treatment plan) as closely as possible.
• Try to see your primary care doctor at least twice a year.
• Seek a specialist if you have a condition that requires it (for example, a cardiologist, orthopedic specialist, neurologist, etc.).
• If possible, get imaging studies or laboratory testing to verify the diagnosis and severity of your condition.  An MRI, CT scan or even a simple X-ray, in some cases, may be good as gold.

Remember, it's not about what a claimant says; it's about what he/she can PROVE.  So, one of the best things you can do is to see your doctor(s) regularly and get as much treatment and investigation of your medical condition as possible.
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Charles W. Forsythe
The Forsythe Firm
Social Security Disability Represention
7027 Old Madison Pike - Suite 108
Huntsville, AL 35806
"Across from Bridge Street"

FREE CONSULTATIONS:  (256) 799-0297

 
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