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WHEN YOUR DOCTOR REFUSES TO HELP WITH YOUR DISABILITY CLAIM

   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 Security, not with the doctor.  The doctor is providing one piece of medical opinion evidence, one piece which Social Security may accept or ignore at their own discretion.  The fact is that your doctor knows more about you than anyone else, medically speaking, and his/her opinion is quite helpful in allowing Social Security to make a fair decision.

 I recommend you speak straight to your doctor.  Let him or her know what's on the line -- your financial survival.  If your doctor still won't help, it may be that he or she simply doesn't give a darn!

 THE FORSYTHE FIRM
Social Security Disability Specialists
7027 Old Madison Pike NW
Huntsville, AL 358906
PHONE (256) 799-0297

 Contact the Forsythe Firm

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