Your Doctor’s Role in Filing an SSDI Claim
When you suffer from a disability and want to file a claim for benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance program, there is an enormous amount of information you must provide in your application. Part of the SSDI process is providing medical information on your condition, since it must either fall on the Listing of Impairments or otherwise meet Social Security Administration requirements. Though your Maryland SSDI lawyer is your most valuable legal advocate, your doctor is also an important asset in providing the necessary documents to support your claim. Therefore, it is important to understand your physician’s role in SSDI claims.
Meeting with Your Primary Care Physician Before Filing: If you have not already set up an appointment with your doctor, you should schedule a visit before you file for SSDI benefits. During your meeting, it is important to talk about your intentions and let your physician know that notes and medical records will be important as supporting documents for your application. During your discussion, talk about your condition and how it limits your daily activities. You should also ask your physician if there is any type of treatment that could enable you to work in some capacity. Ultimately, your doctor will need to prepare a medical statement containing all of these details.
Items Your Doctor Will Need to Provide: The medical statement from your physician should include all relevant health details, including the specifics about the medical conditions that is causing your disability. Along with the subjective information, your doctor should include objective medical evidence, such as lab tests, X-rays, MRIs, CAT scans, and other documentation.
Your physician may already be aware, but make sure to remind him or her that you must submit details about your diagnosis, prognosis, and potential courses of treatment. Any information regarding past unsuccessful treatments is critical. Another crucial issue is how your condition limits you from performing gainful work activities for purposes of qualifying for SSDI.
What to do if Your SSDI Claim was Denied: If you did not visit your primary care physician before you submitted your application for SSDI benefits, your doctor may still be a valuable resource. You will have the opportunity to present additional information through reconsideration and during a disability appeal hearing. There is still time to get an accurate, verified statement from your doctor and this evidence is given considerable weight when considered by a judge. Call and schedule an appointment as soon as possible, and make sure to fill your physician in on the reasons for the visit.
A Skilled Maryland SSDI Lawyer Works Closely with Your Doctor
At the Law Offices of Steinhardt, Siskind and Lieberman, LLC, our SSDI attorneys know the best strategies for interacting with your physician. We can streamline the application process, so you have a better chance of being approved for benefits quickly. Please contact our offices in Glen Burnie, Owings Mills, Ellicott City, or Annapolis for more information. We can set up a consultation to review your circumstances in more detail.
