Guidance for Doctors
When a doctor receives a request to give an opinion regarding a patient’s medical condition, it is important to understand the potential impact of the information on the patient’s application for disability benefits. A doctor’s opinion can often make a significant difference in an application, according to Montana Social Security disability attorneys Bulman Law Associates.
A doctor may wonder whether a lot of detail on the functional-capacity form is necessary for the claimant’s case. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does require plenty of detail regarding the claimant’s capacity to perform work-related activities. When a patient’s case proceeds to a hearing in front of an administrative law judge, the case often includes testimony from vocational experts regarding whether a significant number of jobs exist for claimants who suffer from certain limitations. Detailed information from the claimant’s doctor often provides context for comparison and discussion.
When providing information about a patient, the doctor may use the margins of the form to provide additional insights. A doctor may feel a need to say “it depends” when providing an opinion. In 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(d)(3), the SSA encourages doctors to provide thorough explanations—the better the explanation, the more weight given to the doctor’s explanation when the SSA makes its decision.
When a doctor has the personal opinion that virtually any patient can work if given the appropriate accommodation or schedule, the doctor may worry that this personal opinion creates a bias in the doctor’s mind. The SSA actually encourages this type of thought process when the doctor forms an opinion. If the doctor believes that the patient’s condition limits the patient to part-time work or a flexible schedule, or requires an accommodation such as permission to work from home or frequent breaks, the SSA encourages the doctor to provide this type of information in a detailed, specific manner.
If the patient has already hired a Montana Social Security disability attorney, the patient’s lawyer may be able to provide the doctor with further guidance regarding the type of information requested by the SSA. If you have more questions about how your doctor’s opinion can help your case, contact Montana disability attorneys of Bulman Law Associates.
