NeuroTalk Support Groups - Why are doctors notes so brief ? (for ssdi)

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- - Why are doctors notes so brief ? (for ssdi) (https://www.neurotalk.org/social-security-disability/195665-doctors-notes-brief-ssdi.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by St George 2013 (Post 1022390)

I've been seeing my PCP for almost 6 years. She and I have a great relationship but she WILL NOT fill out the ss forms for me. She keeps saying ss will send me to their dr's and that it's obvious I can't work. (Oh how I wish ss would send me to one of their dr's !)I did get her to put in my visit notes that I am disabled in her opinion. I also saw my onocologist and he put in his notes that due to the neuropathy I was unable to drive, grocery shop or basically leave the house. That's about as far as I got with them. They did both not that my neuropathy was caused by my diabetes and chemo treatments.

finz: My foot dr did the skin punch biopsy and the results were positive for SFN. He said my results were 0 out of a possible 15 and that it shows my feet are devoid of fibers A and C. He also went on to state that my only option at this point is to see a pain mgmt. specialist who might be able to improve my quality of daily life enough to at least let me drive and grocery shop. He put NONE of the above in his report. Said he went over the results with me and was referring me to a pain specialist. I was stunned when I got the records and called his office advising I really needed him to put in the records what we had discussed. She said the results of the test were enough for ss.

Guess that gives you an idea of what I am dealing with. My symptoms are getting worse. I now have swelling on the bottom of my feet, the numbness is worse and so is my balance. I've also noticed the hair on my legs is not growing like it was...I'm only 51 you know ?

I do not have an attorney....I did talk to an advocate locally and he put some wording for me to use on the reconsideration. Basically said it was a crap shoot. Depended on who looks at my reconsideration, how they feel that day, if they feel like I'm on the fence as far as approving they may approve if they have already denied a lot.....just on and on.

My whole life has been completely turned upside down in 1 year.....1 YEAR is all it took....crazy......lost job of 26 years, 2 months later I was having chemo that didn't end until March of this year and then BAM....a month later I couldn't walk. I say I still have chemo brain but I'm wondering whether it's the SFN working it's magic.

Thanks for coming back to me and if you read this response and have more to add please do. Neurotalk is the best thing that has happened to me this year !

Debi

The following is NOT based on personal experience but on research I have done.

I would not put too much hope on reconsideration unless you have provided additional information as the number of claims approved during reconsideration level are low. An ALJ hearing is the place for more hope.

I do not mean to sound discouraging, just do not want you to be crushed if not approved at the reconsideration level. Several states have omitted the reconsideration level completely. You go straight to ALJ after initial denial if you appeal.

Going to one of the SSDI docs may not be helpful. From what I have read on some threads on neurotalk, you get a brief exam, seldom get to talk, etc.

As I said, both of these topics, "reconsideration" and "their doc" are not things I have any personal experience with and only offer info that I have read. Hopefully, someone with more experience will be able to give you better information.

I certainly wish you the very best and hope that you can obtain assistance from others here, from your physicians, etc.

Keep us posted. A lot of us are in the same boat. Wish we had some life rafts. :)

not to put too fine a point on it, but if your doctor wont help with any paper work, then they are pretty useless to you now at reconsideration stage and in the long run when you may have a hearing before an alj or even later if you are found disabled and have to fill out long form cdr's. since you will always need your doctor to fill out one form or the other, you should be out looking for a new one. most of us have had to do so. i had a great pcp but since that doctor moved to another state i have been through five and am on my sixth in the last 4 years. its just too important for those of us on ssdi or applying for it to have a co operative doctor.

Here's a link to provide an RFC form for your doc/s to fill out. This should not take her long.

http://www.ultimatedisabilityguide.com/rfc_forms.html

Expecting a SS doc to advocate for you is very unrealistic of your doc. They'll review your medical records and not sabotage your claim if you're lucky. You want to have RFC form/s in your file before you see the SS doc/s.

Thanks echoes long ago. You are very correct about Debi needing a doc that WILL help with paperwork not just now but in the future with the continuing reviews once approved.

I think Debi is in a difficult situation as it is hard to change docs in the middle of an appeal.

I do not know Debi's financial situation or insurance coverage but maybe seeking a "second opinion" from another doc, including her quest for a new, more willing doc, might be beneficial.

Finding the right doc is not an easy task.

echoes long ago makes a very good point.

Debi, would you even consider another doc since you have a good relationship (other than the lack of cooperation of paperwork)? Maybe you could approach your doc with the tactful message that you NEED a physician that is supportive and although you wish to remain your docs patient, you really need his/her help.

I feel your frustration and do not have an answer. (Wish I did.) I know how difficult it is to seek out a new doc when you like yours, but you also need their help with more than your immediate health care, you need them to document your health. Finding one that you trust and will complete paperwork is a daunting task. Good luck with whatever choices you make.

Maybe I can.....

Thanks everybody.......From previous info in this thread, I'm thinking maybe I can fill out the RFC or Medical Source Statement (that is shorter) and ask Amy (my PCP) to sign it for me.

As for my insurance/financial status:

I am 51, married to Bubba and am on unemployment at this time. Hopefully I won't get any interviews cause there is NO way I could go. Hell I don't even drive unless absolutely necessary. My unemployment runs out sometime around the first week or so of 2014. It is less than a 1/3 of what I was bringing home while working but it does pay for groceries and gas. My husband works for a city as a manager and is salaried. I made a little more than him but we are basically cutting our income in 1/2. His insurance is not great but it's insurance and honestly I will go to whatever lengths and doctors to find some way to function and get approved for disability. Our house is paid off and my credit card was $0 until I had to start charging medical bill balances left after insurance. We're still ok financially.

About Amy (my PCP)....I can call her nurse at anytime for pain meds or an antibiotic if needed. She is extremely caring but I think Emory has got her and all the other dr's at the clinic running scared. Emory only took over about 2 years ago and it's been crazy since then. I probably do need a new PCP but dang it's so hard to build that relationship and trust that I have with her. She's sees my mom and daughter also and most of the people I worked with and referred to her.

Get this.....I had to see my dermatologist yesterday (been seeing him for 15 years) and asked if he knew any good pain dr's......had his nurse look up his friend and gave me his name and #.....guess what ? I call that office and they told me the dr does not see anyone from my area.....wth ? We're like 30 minutes away. He doesn't like folks in my county or what ? My dermatologist said if I had any problems getting an appointment to call him. I am going to do that just to see what the heck is going on.

Amy and my foot dr (who I've only seen 3 times) are the only dr's that I have seen that seem to give a damn about me.

I am unable to work because I cannot sit, stand or walk very far. My feet cannot touch any surface without my feet hurting to the point I cannot walk. I'm at home 99% of the time. A year ago I was on the go all the time. I tried to go grocery shopping with my daughter in law a week ago and here is how it always goes.....I went to our smallest grocery store (we live in a small town in GA) and by the time I got to the check out, I had to leave my buggy with Shana, take my sandals off (can't wear shoes), sat down on the bench and put my feet on the bench and cried like a baby I was hurting so bad. Then I paid for it the next 2 days. If I pace myself, make bed and hit the recliner, clean the toilet and sink and hit the recliner, walk the dog in our yard and hit the recliner (u get the idea) then I can make it through the day. I was only taking 1/2 a vicodin as needed but my symptoms have gotten worse and I'm taking 1/2 every 4 hours. It keeps it to about a 4 on the pain scale but it's better than 10 +. My hands don't work right anymore and I continually drop and knock things over. My balance is bad and if the neighbors did not know me they would think I was drunk while walking the dog. I bounce off the furniture in my house :)

Sorry all my stuff is so long but this has been pent up in me for a year. I try not to burden the family...they have been wonderful to me.

Bring on some more thoughts, comments and suggestions please.

Debi

Your doc could also refer you to a physical therapist to test you for the RFC.

If your hands or wrist swell from typing or writing, a pt can measure this with a water displacement test. If you lose strength after engaging in certain activities, it can be measured, etc. Essentially, physical evidence will help you much more than subjective complaints.

I agree if your doctor isn't willing to do the documents or notations you've asked for it may not be as great of a relationship as you think.

After seeing some records from my Pain Doctor I have asked he include certain things in his notes and how they effect my ability to (not) work and effect daily living.

Thanks everyone for the info and.....

I have an appoint with an orthopedic next tues and they have a PT dept there. I'm going to ask if they can do the RFC for me even if I have to pay for it.

If I have said that before now please excuse the duplication. I'm not feeling great today after seeing or 'not' seeing my 2nd pain mgmt. dr.....saw his assistant.

I finally rec'd a letter from my new case worker and she is with Georgia Vocational Rehab. Have to fill out more forms and since my symptoms are worse or I have new ones it was hard to fill that paperwork out. When you see what u can't do anymore it is kinda of depressing. But I need to call her today because I have to add a dr appoint I had last week, the one today and the one I have next week. That should leave my file open long enough to get in to the PT dept for the RFC.
Say a little prayer and keep your fingers crossed for me.

Going to bed....I feel like poo because I had to go out.

Debi