Disability examinations: a look at the Social Security Disability Income System

Disability income protection is an important part of a worker's safety net. U.S. workers who pay into Social Security are eligible for coverage under the federal government, and additional coverage is available in the free market. However, the costs to taxpayers and disability insurance policyholders are high, and a great deal of responsibility rests on the physician providing information on disability issues. A neutral attitude toward a patient requesting disability allows the physician to collect the facts regarding the patient's impairments. A history of the patient's work duties helps the examiner determine the basis for setting limitations or restrictions at work or home. The physician's knowledge base of treatment options assists in determining maximal medical improvement. Records released to the adjudicating body should contain a thorough history, pertinent physical findings, and a review of previous medical records, all of which are to be separated from the opinion of the examiner regarding specific limitations and restrictions. The physician should be aware of symptom magnification and depression as confounders to the patient's perception of disability.