It is very rare that a treating physician will take the time to appear at your hearing. Unless you have a personal relationship with your physician, you will probably find it very difficult to convince your doctor to attend a hearing.
I have found that some mental health professionals are more willing to come and discuss your impairments in a hearing. I generally welcome any treating medical professional to attend the hearing in support of your claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
In preparation for your hearing, I like to discuss with medical professionals the kind of questions they will be asked. The hearings usually last less than one hour, so it is important to get testimony the Social Security Administrations (SSA) recognizes as pertinent to your claim.
What can you do if your physician will not go to court with you? You should try to get your physician to complete a Medical Source Statement. A statement containing your diagnosis, physical limitations, mental limitations, compliance with treatment, and prognosis can help an Administrative Law Judge better understand how your disabling condition is affecting you.
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You may find your physician is unwilling to complete a Medical Source Statement. This does not mean you will lose your case.
The strength of your medical records alone can be enough for a favorable outcome.
Therefore, it is important to keep appointments, get appropriate testing, comply with treatment, and exhaust all avenues in trying to resolve your medical condition.
I represent hundreds of Indiana residents every year at Social Security disability hearings and many do not have medical source statements, but still win their claims.
My office supplies our clients with forms to take to their doctors to document and help win your claim.
Having a good medical provider-to-patient relationship can help your chances of receiving Social Security Disability.
