Doctor Support

As we have witnessed in numerous past cases, having a liver disease specialist to support your case by providing documentation regarding your condition and the treatment of it carries significantly more weight with the SSA compared to that of a regular doctor.  Typically, when you visit your doctor, the average length of time that he or she spends with you is roughly five minutes.  Occasionally, it may be less than that.  What you want to remember is that your physician or specialist is not a mind reader.

They can only chart the information that you give them during your visits in your medical records, so it becomes imperative that you divulge as much about your liver disease or disorder as you possibly can.  Additionally, you want to remember that a doctor or specialist will never make any assumptions regarding your particular medical condition, hence the importance of being as thorough as you can whenever talking to them.

The SSA will look for specific things in your doctor’s or specialist’s paperwork when you are applying for SSDI benefits.  The following is a list of those items that you should tell your doctor and/or specialist regarding your particular liver disease or disorder:

• The area of your body where pain is occurring as well as the symptoms of your condition
• The frequency of your pain and symptoms
• How long you have experienced the pain and symptoms of your liver disease or disorder
• Whether or not you have been experiencing “flare-ups”
• The intensity of the pain and symptoms
• What a typical day is like for you and how your medical condition has impaired your daily activities at home or on the job
• Compile a list of the prescribed medications you are taking for your liver disease or disorder as well as how effective they are and any side effects that have resulted

Remember that whenever you are discussing your condition with your doctor or specialist that you are as accurate and specific about your liver disease or disorder, and are not vague when you answer any of their questions.  It is extremely important when you are applying for SSDI benefits that the Social Security Administration sees that you have maintained a consistent and regular history of doctor or specialist visits, and have been strict about taking all your medications as directed.