CATHERINEREMI
05-01-2006, 04:38 PM
I'm hoping someone can help me with this delima. I have been on SSD for almost 6 years now. I also have a long term dissability insurance claim from my previous job. We moved to a new state within the past year. My SSD was up for review in November and I sent the physicians assessment paperwork to my previous doctor out of state because I had not yet found a new doctor in our new state. That was approved without any problems. Now I have GI and PC doctors that I have been seeing in my new town, and my long term dissability insurance claim is up for review. I first sent the papers to my GI doc, then to my PC doc both of which sent it back saying they don't do those!?!?!? My GI doc in my previous state always filled it out before. I am very confused, angry, upset and stressed out about this. It has been a long road and I thought I was over all of this crap. Has anyone else had any such experience with their docs? I made an appointment with my GI doc for Wednesday so I can speak with him about this in person. He knows my history and (I thought) understands that it is impossible for me to work. I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has had any similar experience. Thanks!
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csavage
05-05-2006, 02:10 PM
I've been in the same dilemma with physicians not wanting to fill out the forms. The doctor I had been with for 20 years refused to complete the forms and my new one is the same way, EXCEPT he advised me to see a physician who is trained SPECIFICALLY for disability exams. I agree that a report from your own doctor would be more preferred than someone new, especially since you would need to provide the disability doc with copies of your medical records and you would most likely end up paying out of pocket for the exam - but it appears to be the "new policy standard" for doctors - they claim social security is asking them to answer questions on a patient's health that the doctor can't or does not have the equipment to test for.
My original doctor said he did not appreciate having "words" put into his mouth by the set forms required by Social Security. I personally felt he could do more than provide the one-paragraph letter he did do for my case. I was denied at the inital application and the reconsideration stage, and I felt abandoned by my physician - so I am going to another. Even though he does not complete the forms either, he at least offered an alternative by way of a disability specialist doc, which is more than my long time physician did. Good luck with your battle! Do not give in. Winning your case can sometimes be hard, but it is always worth it! Csavage
My original doctor said he did not appreciate having "words" put into his mouth by the set forms required by Social Security. I personally felt he could do more than provide the one-paragraph letter he did do for my case. I was denied at the inital application and the reconsideration stage, and I felt abandoned by my physician - so I am going to another. Even though he does not complete the forms either, he at least offered an alternative by way of a disability specialist doc, which is more than my long time physician did. Good luck with your battle! Do not give in. Winning your case can sometimes be hard, but it is always worth it! Csavage
Kissa
05-05-2006, 03:01 PM
I had a doctor some many years ago that I was seeing on a regular basis and he has some serious issues. He felt that no one should be on disability and even told SS in a review that I was fine and could work! I of course appealed it and saw one of SS's doctors who promptly replied that my doctor was incorrect about my abilities. I have since changed doctors.
I am not sure why doctors refuse to complete the paperwork or what can even be done about it. You could call the medical board and complain but as to what it will bring I am not sure. I think it's rediculous. They are quick to take your money for any other reason but so unwilling to fill out forms that they in fact can get paid for by SS for doing so! Is it really that difficult for a doctor to admit that the likelyhood of improvement is nil?
You could call your local SS office and ask to speak with your case worker and indicate to them that your doctor is unwilling to fill out their forms, they may instead set up an appointment for you to see one of their doctors instead. It can't hurt and something I'd at least give a try
Good luck
Barbie
I am not sure why doctors refuse to complete the paperwork or what can even be done about it. You could call the medical board and complain but as to what it will bring I am not sure. I think it's rediculous. They are quick to take your money for any other reason but so unwilling to fill out forms that they in fact can get paid for by SS for doing so! Is it really that difficult for a doctor to admit that the likelyhood of improvement is nil?
You could call your local SS office and ask to speak with your case worker and indicate to them that your doctor is unwilling to fill out their forms, they may instead set up an appointment for you to see one of their doctors instead. It can't hurt and something I'd at least give a try
Good luck
Barbie
CoyoteBound
05-06-2006, 07:03 AM
I have been on SSD since 1990 and every few years I do come up for a review, but I live in Texas and I fill the papers out myself and they ask what doctors I have seen since my last review and I put it down and thats the end of it. After a few months I always get a letter back from SSD saying that my check will continue because they know that I can not return to work. I hope everything works out for you!
countrykid
05-06-2006, 02:12 PM
CATHERINEREMI
If your Dr will not fill out the needed papers call you LTD insurance carrier and tell them. They will have you see an independent DR. (their cost) Just make sure you have your medical records to take along with you to the appointment. Usually if SS approves the last review usually LTD goes along with them. Often its SS that is the one that doesn't always accept what LTD approves.
If your Dr will not fill out the needed papers call you LTD insurance carrier and tell them. They will have you see an independent DR. (their cost) Just make sure you have your medical records to take along with you to the appointment. Usually if SS approves the last review usually LTD goes along with them. Often its SS that is the one that doesn't always accept what LTD approves.
madhatter
05-09-2006, 07:37 AM
I didn't go for it yet,but my doc. says she doesn't deal with them because of all the bull they put the doc. through and its degrating. You can walk in there with your spine in your hand and they will tell you your ok
Mz Migraine
05-10-2006, 08:11 PM
You can walk in there with your spine in your hand and they will tell you your ok
LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
Too funny!!! :wave:
LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
Too funny!!! :wave:
CATHERINEREMI
05-14-2006, 10:32 PM
Hi everyone! Thank you all for responding to my post. I met with my GI doc on that Wednesday. He said that my PC doctor should be the one to fill out the forms and that he is sorry she is not taking proper care of me. I said that it seems as if no one is taking proper care of me at the moment! He filled out the papers while I waited. I am planning on finding another PC doc however. We'll see how that goes. I agree that SSD is the really hard one, but like I said, I didn't have any trouble with them. I think all of us on disability go through a lot of unnecessary stress already. Doctor's not wanting to fill out forms about our conditions is just about the last straw! We need to stick together and not let them get away with it! Thanks for your help!
Suni321
05-15-2006, 03:29 AM
Sorry to hear about all the trouble you are having with your new doctor filling out paperwork. It's really hard to understand from our point of view since they are so crucial to us in our lives. Just two days ago I asked my doctor for a letter to support my disability claim with a private insurer. She refused to do it - instead saying the company could just fax her the questions to fill out. I explained further what was needed & she told me to find a social worker to help me with this. Has anyone ever heard of this?
As far as forms I've found that often times the nurses will fill them out & then the doctor just signs them off. But, the information is very vague.
Has anyone been able to get a letter from their doctor that is basically supporting the diagnosis, what activities you cannot do & why you cannot work?
Thanks for listening & help,
Suni
As far as forms I've found that often times the nurses will fill them out & then the doctor just signs them off. But, the information is very vague.
Has anyone been able to get a letter from their doctor that is basically supporting the diagnosis, what activities you cannot do & why you cannot work?
Thanks for listening & help,
Suni
countrykid
05-15-2006, 09:48 AM
Suni321
"Has anyone been able to get a letter from their doctor that is basically supporting the diagnosis, what activities you cannot do & why you cannot work?"
Reading alot of the posts on this board has made me very thankful of the doctors I have and my entire situation with SSDI.
My doctors are fabulous and I have never had any trouble with them filling out any of the paper work requested by SS or my insurance carrier. My doctors truly care about my welfare. (knock on wood!) I only had trouble years ago with a doctor from WC. He was a real character...if I wasn't afraid then of losing my WC I would have slapped him in the face. Nowadays I would have called an attorney.
I really feel for those that have to move or their doctors leave the area or retire. It is hard nowadays to find doctors that care about you and not just the amount of time you will consume. I had an old fashion doctor that made house calls and he was always "on call". Unforunately he retired. But luck was on my side. I found a younger one just like him WOW. So when this PC left the practice he was with ---I followed him. Thankfully he is way younger than me so I may have him for many years.
"Has anyone been able to get a letter from their doctor that is basically supporting the diagnosis, what activities you cannot do & why you cannot work?"
Reading alot of the posts on this board has made me very thankful of the doctors I have and my entire situation with SSDI.
My doctors are fabulous and I have never had any trouble with them filling out any of the paper work requested by SS or my insurance carrier. My doctors truly care about my welfare. (knock on wood!) I only had trouble years ago with a doctor from WC. He was a real character...if I wasn't afraid then of losing my WC I would have slapped him in the face. Nowadays I would have called an attorney.
I really feel for those that have to move or their doctors leave the area or retire. It is hard nowadays to find doctors that care about you and not just the amount of time you will consume. I had an old fashion doctor that made house calls and he was always "on call". Unforunately he retired. But luck was on my side. I found a younger one just like him WOW. So when this PC left the practice he was with ---I followed him. Thankfully he is way younger than me so I may have him for many years.
Suni321
05-16-2006, 03:22 AM
CountryKid - you are so lucky! It's nice to know there are doctor's out there that actually work with you to get the help that you need through getting the paperwork done. My Rheum Dr. seems to be the one that I'm struggling with. More of clinician vs. people person & she seems to spend very little time with her patients. My other doctors are pretty amazing but, this one - is the one - that I need the most support from as far as insurance/SSDI is concerned. I've been pretty sick with some bizarre complications so I was hoping to not change doctors until I was more "stable". But... the stress of not getting things done for the insurance company is not exactly what I need either.
I'm really new to doing all this & could use some insight. Do you mind my asking how you approach your doctors (for needed paperwork/letters etc.)? Especially if it's a new doctor? Any suggestions on approach & or finding a great doctor?
Thanks - Suni :)
I'm really new to doing all this & could use some insight. Do you mind my asking how you approach your doctors (for needed paperwork/letters etc.)? Especially if it's a new doctor? Any suggestions on approach & or finding a great doctor?
Thanks - Suni :)
countrykid
05-16-2006, 07:58 PM
Suni
Most of my doctors that I use for any treatment is by word of mouth or their reputation. I try to find "people" doctors. I rely on my PC doctor for most of my referrals to specialists. Unless the don't take my insurance. I have one specialist that doesn't currently take my insurance so I go to him once a year and he tells me what to get my PC to prescribe as far as tests and what have you. He's my GREAT doctor...when I was on WC 18 years ago my family doctor asked him to step down as the WC Dr and care for me. He did and was I ever thankful for him. On getting the paper work filled out. If I can I usually try and get the paper work to take to the office. I fill out as much as i can and then give it directly to the doctor. Sometimes the nurses or receptionists are the ones that mess up the work(sorry if I step on anyones toes). Like others have said usually the doctor doesn't even see the paperwork. If my doctor is hurried that day or extremely miserable (they have their days) I just make an appointment for another day. I let him know I have paperwork that will need his attention.
I've been lucky so far that I haven't needed a new doctor to fill out any paperwork for my disability. They've been treating me for years before I needed them for all the paperwork. I don't know if any of the doctors I only saw a few times had to fill out any paperwork. The one doctor just sent back a questionaire and copies of the test results.
I might suggest you talk with your doctor and tell him the benefits you recieve from him as your dr. make him feel "good" It's worth a try.
Most of my doctors that I use for any treatment is by word of mouth or their reputation. I try to find "people" doctors. I rely on my PC doctor for most of my referrals to specialists. Unless the don't take my insurance. I have one specialist that doesn't currently take my insurance so I go to him once a year and he tells me what to get my PC to prescribe as far as tests and what have you. He's my GREAT doctor...when I was on WC 18 years ago my family doctor asked him to step down as the WC Dr and care for me. He did and was I ever thankful for him. On getting the paper work filled out. If I can I usually try and get the paper work to take to the office. I fill out as much as i can and then give it directly to the doctor. Sometimes the nurses or receptionists are the ones that mess up the work(sorry if I step on anyones toes). Like others have said usually the doctor doesn't even see the paperwork. If my doctor is hurried that day or extremely miserable (they have their days) I just make an appointment for another day. I let him know I have paperwork that will need his attention.
I've been lucky so far that I haven't needed a new doctor to fill out any paperwork for my disability. They've been treating me for years before I needed them for all the paperwork. I don't know if any of the doctors I only saw a few times had to fill out any paperwork. The one doctor just sent back a questionaire and copies of the test results.
I might suggest you talk with your doctor and tell him the benefits you recieve from him as your dr. make him feel "good" It's worth a try.
bleego
05-19-2006, 02:00 AM
Suni 321
My cardiologist answers their questions and adds his own letter, and provides test results. MyPCP also does this.
My cardiologist answers their questions and adds his own letter, and provides test results. MyPCP also does this.