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Filling out disability forms


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Hi all

I think there was a thread about disability forms somewhere here but i can't seem to find it. is there any tips on refusing to sign disabilities forms for patients? if a patient is missing a limp, sure, i have no problem filling out disability form. but this pt has diabetes and complains polyneuropathies, pt can't stand for a long time during work...another pt with foot pain, no injury, can't "walk" normality....they continuously request forms to be filled out......any tips on refusing to sign these paperworks?

Thank you

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We get a lot of forms. As I am in cardiology, I will only sign forms for legitimate cardiac problems. Anything else needs to go to the PCP or the provider treating the condition.

 

If I were a PCP and there was a question, I'd probably refer to, for example, PT for an evaluation. I don't like having to guess how much weight someone can lift, or how long they can stand. 

 

On the other hand, tell me that their EF is 20% and I'm fine with signing them up for a job that involves little or no lifting and sitting much of the day.

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Hi all

I think there was a thread about disability forms somewhere here but i can't seem to find it. is there any tips on refusing to sign disabilities forms for patients? if a patient is missing a limp, sure, i have no problem filling out disability form. but this pt has diabetes and complains polyneuropathies, pt can't stand for a long time during work...another pt with foot pain, no injury, can't "walk" normality....they continuously request forms to be filled out......any tips on refusing to sign these paperworks?

Thank you

easiest route, refer to occ med

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I gave up not filling them out

 

I required an office visit to do it - not doing paperwork for free

 

I explained as I was filling it out and did so honestly.

 

Most the time they realize as I am filling out the form that it is not going to get them disability, and in fact shows/documents that they are not qualified for it.

 

I make sure to take a copy for the record......

 

 

Seems to have drastically cut down on the number I have to fill out and sign...... Guess my reputation got around......

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I fill out forms for disabled parking stickers and usually those who ask for them are legitimate.  However, disability requests are either referred to PT/OT or occupation medicine/physiatrist, plus a discussion that it is a legal process and they probably need a lawyer.

 

On the other hand, I get more and more requests to fill out FMLA forms for patients who miss work for just a few days , as required by their employer.  Really????  For two days of missed work?  If I did not see the patient for whatever reason they missed work,  I won't fill it out.  If they were hospitalized and that is the reason for FMLA, of course I will fill it out at their post hospital visit. 

 

I won't do anything for free either.  It is an office visit. 

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We started using that covermymeds website for prior auths. I hate it. It's more work for me. 

 

As far as disability paperwork goes, almost no one I see will qualify for permanent disability. I have occasionally signed for temporary handicap cards for people who have significant mobility limitations as documented by our physical therapists.

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Hi all

I think there was a thread about disability forms somewhere here but i can't seem to find it. is there any tips on refusing to sign disabilities forms for patients? if a patient is missing a limp, sure, i have no problem filling out disability form. but this pt has diabetes and complains polyneuropathies, pt can't stand for a long time during work...another pt with foot pain, no injury, can't "walk" normality....they continuously request forms to be filled out......any tips on refusing to sign these paperworks?

Thank you

Personally I just tell them they don't want me to fill out their paperwork because I don't think they are disabled and if I do it will create an official record of my expert opinion.

One of the clinics I occasionally fill in at tells people they will do the evaluation and send the paperwork directly to the agency or company with a copy being made available to them after the fact. They will not tell the patient their determination ahead of time. They also charge a fee for completing any forms or paperwork not directly related to the patients care such as FMLA paperwork ($25) to one of those horrible electric wheelchair evaluations ($125) with the only promise as to content being that it will be a fair representation of the facts as the provider sees them. This fee is above any visit charges and cannot be submitted to the insurance company for reimbursement. It is a little heavy handed but cuts down on trivial paperwork requests.

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