DISABILITY BENEFIT RECOVERY

   Sadly, more and more doctors are refusing to help their patients with their Social Security disability claims.  The reason probably is that doctors misunderstand what they are being asked to do or they misjudge and fear the time commitment. Actually, the process is rather simple and not time consuming.  The physician completes a brief form consisting mostly of checking boxes, giving his/her professional opinion.  The form does not require any special evaluation or examination--it is based on treatment history.  It should be viewed as win/win. The patient gets income and Medicare/Medicaid to cover medical treatment.  Both doctor and patient should be happy. Fear of Legal Liability:  Unless the doctor willfully provides false information, there is no legal liability on his/her part. What is the Doctor Being Asked To Do?  The doctor is not "signing up" the patient for disability benefits.  Under federal law, the decision about disability rests solely with Social Securi