Everything You Need to Know About Medical Professionals

In working with Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, you’ll quickly find that, above all else, we believe that treatment is the most important aspect of any Social Security Disability (SSD) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim. Without proper medical treatment, you likely won’t receive a favorable decision on your claim—it’s that simple. After all, medical evidence is how we prove that you have a disability. With that in mind, we wanted to provide an overview of different types of medical treatment and explain the differences.

Licensed Medical Doctors

At the very top of the list of medical providers are licensed, medical doctors. A medical doctor has years of training and education specializing in the medical field. Some doctors specialize in certain disciplines and can be considered experts or specialists in a specific medical field. Being diagnosed and treated by a doctor can help you get your claim approved.

Licensed Psychologists and Psychiatrists

Psychologists and Psychiatrists are licensed doctors, too, but they specialize in mental disorders. If you’re claiming that your disability is a result of a psychological condition, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar or another mental health condition, you should be treated and diagnosed by a licensed Psychologist or Psychiatrist.

Nurse Practitioners

A Nurse Practitioner is a nurse with an advanced degree in nursing. A Nurse Practitioner can treat and diagnose acute illnesses. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does accept the diagnosis made by a Nurse Practitioner for SSD/SSI, but a Licensed Medical Doctor is preferred. Regardless, continuous treatment will likely help your claim. Keep in mind that if you’ve only been diagnosed by a Nurse Practitioner, SSA may have you seek another opinion from a Licensed Medical Doctor.

Chiropractors

A Chiropractor is a healthcare professional focused on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders, with an emphasis on treatment through manual adjustment and/or manipulation of the spine.

Most Chiropractors seek to reduce pain and improve the functionality of patients as well as educate them on how they can improve their own health via exercise, ergonomics and other therapies to treat back pain. Just like with a Nurse Practitioner, a Chiropractor’s diagnosis alone may not be sufficient for SSA. A secondary opinion may be necessary from a Licensed Medical Doctor for a favorable decision.

Overall, medical treatment is important for any Social Security claim. If you have questions about the Social Security process, give us a call for a free consultation. Our toll-free number is 1-877-526-3457. If you can’t talk now, fill out this form so that we may call you at a better time.