Category Archives: Doctors, Records, & Medical Treatment

Tips on working with your doctors, obtaining treatment, and getting your medical records

Penrose St Francis Hospital blocking faxed records request

Penrose St Francis Hospital, one of the two major hospitals in Colorado Springs, sent me the following canned response to a (faxed) request for records for one of my clients. Please note that the fax number you are sending your … Continue reading

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Do you have to give bad evidence to Social Security on your disability benefit case?

One of my colleagues in the fight to help disabled individuals get their Social Security disability benefits, attorney Johnathon Ginsberg, tackles whether you have to submit unfavorable medical evidence to Social Security. I see this frequently in cases where there … Continue reading

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My Social Security file is missing records

Let’s say you are reviewing your Social Security exhibit file before your disability hearing and you discover that some of your doctor’s (or other records) are not there. I have mentioned before that it is not unusual for the medical … Continue reading

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What is a rheumatologist?

The American College of Rheumatology has a great overview of what a rheumatologist is and when you should consider seeing one. A rheumatologist is an internist or pediatrician who is qualified by additional training and experience in the diagnosis and … Continue reading

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How to diagnose fibromyalgia

It can be very difficult to win Social Security disability benefits based on fibromyalgia. However,  it can be done! While Social Security no longer considers fibromyalgia as a “imaginary” condition, or a “junk” diagnosis, you still need to make sure … Continue reading

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Should I see a specialist when applying for Social Security?

  I am often asked whether seeing a specialist will help in a Social Security disability case. Do I need to see a specialist? I have my own doctor. What else can a specialist tell me about my case? How … Continue reading

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What if your doctor does not want to help?

eNewsMediaMagazine has some tips on building a strong Social Security disabilty claim: Tip #1: Choose the right doctor(s). Regardless of your specific disability, you will need medical documentation. The only way to do this is to visit at least one … Continue reading

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Does Social Security set a maximum fee for medical record charges?

The answer to this is “yes,” and “no.” When Social Security requests medical records from a treatment provider (doctor, hospital, walk-in clinic, physical therapist, chiropractor, etc.), and they put a cap on how much they are going to pay for those … Continue reading

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Social Security Consultative Examinations

Here are some common questions I hear when Social Security schedules an evaluation or examination with one of their doctors: Do I have to attend the consultative examination? Since you are applying for Social Security benefits, you have a duty … Continue reading

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Secrets of the Social Security Consultative Examination

Has Social Security sent you to a doctor for an examination? Here are some things you should know when going to a consultative examination.  The examination begins earlier than you think: You are observed from the moment you enter the office.  The … Continue reading

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How to get your medical records for free!

If you request medical records from a doctor or hospital in Colorado, the maximum you can be charged is set by 6 C.C.R 1011-1, Chapter 2, Part 5.2.3.4. In 2008, the maximum price for medical records is “not to exceed $16.50 for … Continue reading

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Another use for ALISON: has your doctor been suspended?

ALISON (Automated Licensure Information System Online), is the online licensing database for the state of Colorado. I previously wrote about how this site is a great resource for finding an address for your doctor. This site also has another use. If … Continue reading

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Need help finding your doctor’s office in Colorado?

  When you apply for Social Security benefits, you will need to provide the name and address of each doctor you have seen for the last several years. You may have this information for your current doctors, but finding the … Continue reading

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Cost of Medical Records Increases More Than 36 Percent!

The State of Colorado has allowed medical records copiers to increase the prices they charge to provide your medical records. Medical records are one of the foundations of a Social Security case. The main way you establish the existence and … Continue reading

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How to read medical records

Whether you are working with a lawyer or are trying to get Social Security disability / Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits on your own, you will probably be reading medical records at some point. Here is a quick primer on … Continue reading

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