The process of applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is time-consuming and overwhelming process. Commonly, the initial application for benefits is denied and you must wait for the appeal hearing whilst gathering further supporting evidence for your claim. Unfortunately, in the time between those steps, you are likely not working or are unable to work, resulting in no source of income. This can be a devastating, discouraging, and frustrating time where you feel at a loss. Rest assured, as your Disability Representative, we will work hard in assisting you in seeking the awarding of SSDI or SSI benefits.
In order to obtain victory, you must be able to prove that you are disabled. This is done so primarily, and most crucially, through medical evidence. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will evaluate records and reports from all of the medical providers that have seen you. Which means that you must be able to provide those records to the SSA. Therefore, for the success of your claim, it is of the utmost importance that you, or someone you trust, thoroughly document your medical visits.
In general, the most vital information that you should keep a record of from each visit will be the following:
- Name, address, and phone number of the facility
- Date of the appointment
- Name of the practitioner you saw
- Brief notes about the appointment (i.e., what the visit was for, tests performed, prescription changes, referrals made, etc.)
The medical treatment for someone with a disabling condition can be quite comprehensive and involve numerous facilities and providers. Attempting to recall all of the above information from memory, months down the road, can be burdensome and nearly impossible. Therefore, is it important that you keep track of these details while they are happening.
Here are some tips to help you keep your medical visits organized!
- Keep an up-to-date calendar or planner specifically for your medical visits.
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- Whether you buy a paper one or use one electronically, be sure to mark down all of your upcoming appointments so that you do not miss anything. When you are finished with that appointment, mark down the details listed above.
- Keep a log of your visits.
- This is a terrific way to have all our visits in one place. It will be easy to reference or provide to your Disability Representative. I created a template for your use. You can find it at the bottom of this page.
- Keep a medical notebook.
- Takes notes at each appointment. Write down any new findings, recommendations, or details you want to remember. Again, recalling this information months down the road will be difficult.
- Keep us informed!
- Be sure to keep your Disability Representative up to date on your medical appointments and key details from your visits. Periodically provide us with a medical update so that we can be sure to get all the details needed the SSA needs.
Keeping a detailed record of your medical visits is critical to the conclusion of your case. The SSA requires that you prove you are disabled predominantly through your medical records. Therefore, as your Disability Representative, we must know where you have been treated so that we can be sure to provide the necessary information to the SSA.
I look forward to helping you with your medical records!
Kayla
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