Talking With Your Doctor and Social Security Disability

What does a talk with your doctor regarding your Social Security Disability look like?

What follows is a fictional account of a meeting with a person who has filed for disability and their doctor.

This represents a one time visit but should be carried out at each doctor appointment with each specialist or medical provider that you treat with.

Doctor: How are you doing today, Ann?

Ann: Not so good doctor.

Doctor: What seems to be the problem?

Ann: My arthritis has really been flaring up. It kicks in as soon as I start using my hands for holding things or moving my fingers. At night it
wakes me from my sleep.

Doctor: Have you been taking your medicine as prescribed?

Ann: Yes, I follow what it says on the bottle and do what the pharmacist says.

Doctor: Do you want to try a different dosage or more therapy?

Ann: Sure, I am willing to try anything to get the pain under control. Do you think it will get worse?

Doctor: It will usually progress over time, however we hope we can slow the arthritis down.

Ann: Is it possible to get another xray of my hands to see how they look now?

Doctor: I can order the xray. The last one was 2 years ago.

Ann: Thank you very much, doctor.

The doctor will record in her medical records the reason you come in, your problems, symptoms and the treatment plan. It is important that the doctor understand that you are having problems and it limits your daily activities. Objective findings such as Xrays, MRIs and other tests support problems such as pain.

Questions about your disability claim? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.