Objective Testing
June 6, 2019
Your Doctor and Your Disability Claim
When it comes to filing a claim for disability benefits, one of the most important factors to consider involves your team of medical providers. Simply put, there are many ways your doctor can increase your chances of being approved for benefits, so it is important to visit your doctor routinely so that he or she can monitor your condition.
Not only is it important to visit your doctor regularly, it is also vital to describe the ways in which your injuries are restricting your day-to-day functions. By doing so, your doctor will be able to keep an accurate and detailed log of your medical history, and your records will properly reflect the severity of your condition when it comes time for the insurance agency conducts its review.
Apart from properly maintaining your medical records, another advantage of routinely visiting your doctor is that he or she may instruct you to undergo a variety of tests. While these tests may vary, your insurance company is much more likely to deny your claim if you do not have the proper objective testing to corroborate your condition.
What is objective evidence?
Objective medical evidence refers to visible, measurable findings obtained by medical examination, testing, or diagnostic imaging. Examples include MRIs, x-rays, electrocardiograms, and blood tests, and this documentation can help provide your insurance company with clear, concrete information regarding your condition.
By undergoing the appropriate testing, your insurance company is much more likely to approve your claim if the results support your condition. Consequently, by failing to visit your doctor, you will lose out on the opportunity to gather the necessary evidence to support your claim.
What if Objective Evidence Is Not Available?
Although objective evidence can be helpful in many instances, it is important to understand that not all conditions can be evaluated by this type of testing. For example, conditions such as chronic fatigue, severe headaches, and impaired cognitive functioning are difficult for doctors to assess via objective exams. Nonetheless, even if you are suffering from a condition that is not easily evaluated through this type of testing, it is still possible to validate your claim through the use of subjective evidence.
Subjective evidence includes both the symptoms you report to your doctor and the observations he or she makes during your appointment. Accordingly, even without objective evidence, it is still very important to see your doctor as it will enable you to establish a paper trail outlining your condition.
How an Attorney Can Help
Given that the medical evidence and opinions of your doctor will weigh very heavily on whether you win or lose your appeal, you may want to contact an attorney to assist you in the process. An experienced disability attorney can look over your case, determine what additional information is needed, and advise you on the best steps moving forward.
To speak with one of our firm’s experienced disability attorneys, visit our website here or call.