Social Security Appointed Doctors

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AnnE16
AnnE16 Member Posts: 241
edited November 2017 in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY

Can anyone explain to me why SS does not use an oncologist when up for review considering we all have stage 4 breast cancer? Instead, I am supposed to go see some random doctor (not even part of any hospital) and have this person not even medically trained in cancer make a decision as to whether or not I should continue to get disability for stage 4 cancer? ( I am up for review). It is ridiculous in my opinion! Send me to an oncologist!

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  • Kandy
    Kandy Member Posts: 1,461
    edited November 2017

    I went through review earlier this year. What type of Dr are they sending you too? They were going to send me to a psychiatrist. I was like this will definitely drive you crazy.

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  • AnnE16
    AnnE16 Member Posts: 241
    edited November 2017

    I think it is just an MD. I don't think there is any specialty. That seems odd that they would send you to a psychiatrist. Was this in order to get your initial SS disability approved or to review for continued benefits? This whole disease and side effects has definitely thrown me into some very dark days! Maybe they should send me to a psychiatrist too!

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  • Kandy
    Kandy Member Posts: 1,461
    edited November 2017

    It was to continue benefits. They did me the same as you that I had to give them 3 people to contact. For weeks they kept requesting something. This was also during a bad time for me. My cancer was going crazy. In between the 2 they were driving me crazy. I ended up calling the review board and spoke with a supervisor. She probably thought I really needed to see a psyche Dr. I was hysterical and told her they were driving me crazy like I didn’t have enough to worry about. She said she would cancel the appointment with the Dr and a couple weeks later I received the letter that they were continuing my benefits. I’ve heard that when they start requesting all this stuff that it’s not a good sign that they will approve you. Have you had progression since you were originally approved? I hope this all works out for you. Praying for you.

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  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited November 2017

    I am so very sorry to intrude on the Stage IV boards and will promptly remove my post if you think I should. I just have some experience with Social Security, having helped people get and continue their benefits (albeit not bc, but psych diagnoses). Social Security keeps a stable of doctors (not specialists) that are well versed in the qualifications for Social Security Disability. Their job isn't to confirm a diagnosis or make suggestions for treatment, but to review specific disability criteria. Do you have a therapist or have you worked with a social worker at any treatment center? If so, they may be able to provide assistance in collecting the documentation that would insure your SSD continuance. Basically, does your diagnosis/treatments interfere with basic work activities, and your ability to both compete for and sustain gainful employment form the core of the issue. There are things like: how do you function in your daily life (do you need help doing things like getting groceries in the house, running errands, etc), your ability to keep up a certain pace at activities (eg. at work) is important (do you need to take periodic breaks on a regular basis, do you some days where you aren't able to function the same as "normal", do you have trouble concentrating for long periods of time etc). The definition of disability by the government is:

    You cannot do work that you did before; We decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

    (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/disability/dqualify4.html )

    Any qualified professional who knows you/has worked with you, can submit documents (or even a letter) on your behalf. I have done this on a regular basis for people and it does carry weight. Please PM me if you need any other assistance. I'll be happy to delete my post if anyone wants me to. I'm sorry again for intruding, but thought perhaps I could help.

    amy

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