How Can You Get Medical Records For A Disability Case If You Have No Insurance?I have seen this question in so many disability forums recently, and I think it is important to provide some answers as to how Social Security looks at medical records when they are making disability determinations. The lack of medical records is a very common problem for individuals who have not been working or have been unable to pay for health insurance. So how does Social Security get medical information for their medical determinations if an individual has not been able to afford treatment? Unfortunately, individuals who do have no medical records or no current medical records will have to attend consultative examinations. Consultative examinations are very basic mental or physical examinations that are performed by doctors who are paid by Social Security. Very often, in fact, consultative examinations are performed by physicians whose medical specialty has nothing to do with a disability claimant's disabling condition or conditions. Many disability claimants have complained that the physician took no time with them and did not even address what they felt was their disabling impairment. I think it is important to mention that consultative examinations are not meant to be in-depth or provide any kind of treatment for a disability applicant. They are strictly to give a Social Security Disability examiner enough current medical information to make a disability decision. As you might guess, an individual's disability claim has a greater chance of being approved if they have some kind of medical information other than the results of a short cursory consultative examination performed by a doctor who has no history of treatment with the claimant. So how can an individual get medical records for their disability claim if they have no insurance? I do not know all of the answers, but I do have a couple of suggestions that may provide an individual some medical records for their disability case. Most areas have medical clinics that are either free, or charge based upon an individual's income. I would suggest an individual consider contacting one of these clinics for medical treatment so that they have at least some kind of current medical records (Social Security considers medical records to be current only if they are ninety days or less old). Even emergency room records or hospital records are useful to an individual's disability claim, because they often contain objective medical testing or clinical notes. While an individual may still have to attend a consultative examination or examinations, it does not hurt to have medical records to bolster their disability case. In my experience, consultative examinations alone do not often lead to an approval for disability benefits. 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: How much can you receive in disability backpay in North Carolina? Social Security Denied Me But Didn't Have All My Medical Records? How Can You Get Medical Records For A Disability Case without Insurance? Can you be denied disability if social security cannot find your medical records? Social Security Disability Medical Records How Far Back Does Social Security Look At Medical Records for SSDI SSI? Social Security Disability, Medical Records, and a Person's Limitations Medical Evidence on a Social Security Disability or SSI Claim Getting your medical records can speed up your disability claim Will a Disability attorney try to Help You get Your Medical Records? Can a disability lawyer charge an hourly fee for helping to file the claim? If you apply for disability in Maryland Will I qualify for disability benefits in Maryland? Getting a Disability Lawyer in Maryland |
