Tag Archives: Doctors | Medical Treatment | 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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How do I prove my disability case when I look fine?

This is one of the most difficult issues in a Social Security disability case.  You might look “normal,” but you know that there is no way that you can work.  If you tell someone that you are applying for Social … Continue reading

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15 pages decides your fate?

San Francisco disability attorney Geri Kahn wrote about her experiences with providing records to Social Security: Before filing a new initial claim I always order the records and then submit them directly to the Social Security field office immediately after … 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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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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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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Why doesn’t Social Security get a statement of my limitations from my doctor?

You already know how important it is to get a Medical Source Statement in your Social Security disability case. The best source for this is your own doctor. However, I typically see Social Security have one of their technicians or a Social … Continue reading

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I don’t want to have surgery, can Social Security make me?

As a general rule, if you are applying for Social Security disability benefits or appealing a Social Security denial, Social Security will penalize you for noncompliance with your doctor’s instructions. That means Social Security may deny your disability claim if … Continue reading

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What if your doctor does not believe in you?

Your doctor’s opinion of your disability is critical evidence in your Social Security disability case. If your doctor does not believe in you, you and your lawyer are facing an uphill battle. Chances are, Social Security either sent you to … Continue reading

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How to get your medical records – Part 5

In Colorado the cost of medical records are based on the number of pages you get. This means getting your records can quickly get expensive. But, you do not have to request every single scrap of paper, phone message, or referral that … Continue reading

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I cannot afford medical treatment what do I do?

It is vital to get regular medical treatment when you are appling for Social Security disability benefits. I have even seen Judges roll their eyes when a claimant says there are no doctors they can see. But, I don’t have insurance … Continue reading

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Social Security tip: get regular medical treatment

I hear a number of reasons for not seeing a doctor on a regular basis:  I don’t like going to the doctor. I prefer herbal medicine. I have a high threshold for pain. When I hurt I just stay in … Continue reading

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