Who is The Doctor for a Social Security Disability Claim or SSI Case?Many people who file for disability are confused about "Social Security doctors." They assume that Social Security has physicians on its payroll who examine applicants and, perhaps, work with them to find reasons to deny the application. This is not entirely true. Social Security does have physicians whom it employs to help make decisions on claims. These physicians are indeed employees of the SSA, and are assigned to a particular unit at the state disability determination services (DDS) agency. Disability examiners at DDS review all initial applications and first appeals based on both physical and mental conditions for the SSA upon reviewing the applicants' medical records. However, after the disability examiner has made a decision, the decision is then reviewed by the unit doctor. These SSA-employed physicians review claims based on physical impairments, while a psychological consultant (usually a licensed psychologist versus a psychiatrist) reviews examiners' decisions regarding claims based on mental conditions such as depression, mania, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc. These physicians and psychologists are Social Security doctors in the true sense, as they are solely in the employment of the Social Security Administration. In addition, the opinions of unit doctors within DDS are given more weight than those of the disability examiners themselves, and often ultimately override the examiners' decisions. There is another type of doctor, one which disability applicants may be required to meet with (claimants never meet the doctors that are assigned to the case processing units of disability examiners, just as claimants typically never meet the disability examiners themselves), and this type of doctor is not truly a "Social Security doctor". In cases in which a disability applicant has no recent (within the past three months) medical documentation to support the claim that he or she is currently disabled, a consultative exam (CE) is typically required by the disability examiner before rendering a decision on a disability claim. Doctors who perform CEs are independent doctors, in that they have their own private practices, and have only contracted with Social Security to perform exams in disability cases. The idea is to have a non-biased opinion regarding the applicant's present state of health, though this is somewhat debatable. Many, many individuals have reported that the"independent" physicians performing these exams are unnecessarily rude, and that the exams are so brief and perfunctory they could not possibly provide a true picture of a disability claimant's true physical or mental limitations. In fact, the average CE takes about 15 to 20 minutes, which certainly appears to be little more than a mere formality. Your best bet, if you are considering applying for Social Security Disability, is to establish a relationship with a treating physician who is sympathetic to your bid for disability, and keep regular appointments with him, so that you will have no need to rely on the opinion of Social Security Disability doctors, independent or otherwise. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: Social Security Disability Appeal Attorney Fees Can you get disability the first time you apply? Should I get a lawyer for my disability hearing for SSD or SSI? When Social Security Disability Sends You To A Doctor, What Kind Is It? Who is The Doctor for a Social Security Disability Claim or SSI Case? What should you get from your doctor to file for disability benefits? Why Will You be Sent to a Social Security Doctor for your disability case? Will Social Security Grant Disability If I Have Not Been To the Doctor? If I apply for disability and my doctor says I am disabled, is there a waiting period to receive benefits? SSA Medical Exam and your own Physician How Important is the Treating Physician to a Social Security Disability or SSI case? What are the qualifications for disability in Texas? How much can I get from Social Security Disability in Texas? Get a qualified disability attorney, lawyer in Texas |
