As a Social Security disability attorney, it would be easy to limit myself to my office, where I typically meet with clients, and to the Hearings Office, where most of my clients’ cases are decided. But if I did that, I’d be missing a critical opportunity to share with the public, especially healthcare providers, what the disability system is really all about. This week, I’ll be headed to the Portland Airport Shilo Inn to speak to six medical clinic personnel. I’m thrilled by their interest and the issues they’ve asked me to talk about: What clinical circumstances are appropriate for social security disability benefits? In other words, how do healthcare providers recognize which of their clients are likely to meet the eligibility criteria — and which should be directed to other alternatives, such as vocational rehabilitation?
- What is specifically required of the healthcare provider, to assist an applicant, in order to expedite the process? This is a great opportunity for me to explain the limits on our ability to “expedite” the process.
- At what point is it appropriate to hire an attorney?
- Is there somewhere that a healthcare provider can refer a patient to have him/her specifically evaluated for social security disability benefits?
In my next blog, I’ll report on how the presentation went.