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Can a Doctor Refuse to Fill Disability Forms In Florida?

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Published by:

Keisha Johnson

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Reviewed by:

Alistair Vigier

Last Modified: 2022-05-19

Are you looking for help getting disability forms in Florida filled out? Living with a disability isn’t an easy thing. It can impact the way you think, walk, stand, sit, and your ability to work and earn an income. Fortunately, through Social Security Administration (SSA), the federal government offers a wide range of disability benefits available to those who qualify.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are the two main programs that provide monthly cash benefits and health insurance coverage to disabled individuals and their families.

To qualify for these benefits, you need to undergo a lengthy and complex application process.

One of the key pieces of information that the SSA will require is a disability certification from your doctor. This document, also known as a “disability form” or “SONC form”, is used to verify that you have a qualifying condition and that your disability prevents you from working. While it may seem like a simple enough task, there are actually a lot of doctors who refuse to fill out these forms.

So, can a doctor in Florida refuse to fill out your disability forms? And if so, what can you do if you find yourself in such a situation? Read on to find out everything you need to know.

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What Forms Do I Need My Doctor to Fill Out?

You will need your doctor to fill out two primary forms for your disability claim to be processed by the SSA.

The first is the Adult Disability Report (SSA-3368). This form provides the SSA with information about your medical condition, how it affects your ability to work, and what treatment you are currently receiving.

The second form is the Disability Certification (SSA-827). This form is used to verify that you have a qualifying condition and that your disability prevents you from working.

Your doctor will need to sign and date both of these forms for them to be considered valid by the SSA.

Can a Doctor Refuse to Fill My Disability Forms?

The simple answer is yes. Your doctor can decline to fill out your disability forms.

There are several reasons why a doctor may choose not to participate in the disability application process.

Some of the reasons why a Florida physician may refuse to fill your disability forms include:

They don’t have time: Your doctor may be refusing to fill your disability forms due to a lack of time. In such a case, you need to regularly follow up to remind them about your disability forms.

They’re not familiar with the process: Many doctors are simply unfamiliar with the Social Security disability application process. As a result, they may feel overwhelmed and choose to opt out of filling out your forms.

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Dealing with the insurance company

They don’t want to get involved in a legal battle: If you are already in a legal battle over your long-term disability benefits, your primary physician may be reluctant to get involved. In such cases, you may need to find a new doctor willing to fill out your disability forms.

You haven’t been formally diagnosed: Although you may be unable to work, your doctor may decline to sign your disability forms until you have been formally diagnosed with a condition.

This is because, in order to qualify for disability benefits, you need to have a qualifying condition that is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.

If you haven’t been formally diagnosed, your doctor may want to wait until you have been before signing your forms.

If you have to file a lawsuit, you will be known as the Claimant. And the insurance company will be the Defendant.

What Can You Do If Your Doctor Declines to Fill Your Disability Forms?

If your doctor declines to fill your disability forms, don’t give up hope just yet. You can do a few things to get the disability certification you need.

The first and most important thing you need to do is get your medical records from the doctor who refused to fill out your disability forms. This is critical because you can use the records to prove your treatment history, which is crucial in the disability application process. Next, you should reach out to another doctor for a second opinion.

This doctor may be more willing to fill out your disability forms. If you don’t want to switch doctors, consider hiring an experienced disability attorney who can help you get the documentation you need.

Finally, you can contact the Florida branch of the SSA directly and request that they send someone to conduct an on-site examination. The SSA will then send a medical professional to your home or doctor’s office to conduct an examination and determine if you are disabled.

While this process can be time-consuming, it is often the best way to get the disability certification you need if your doctor refuses to fill out your forms.

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How Can a Disability Attorney Help?

If your doctor has refused to fill out your disability forms, you may feel like you’re at a dead end. Fortunately, an experienced disability attorney in Florida can help.

Your attorney can help you get the medical records and documentation needed to prove your case. Additionally, your attorney can help you find a new doctor or request an on-site examination from the SSA.

Don’t let your doctor’s refusal to fill out your disability forms stop you from getting the benefits you need and deserve. Contact an experienced disability attorney for help.

Some other ways that a lawyer can help with a disability case include:

  • Dealing with the disability insurance claim
  • Handling communication with the insurance company
  • Reviewing a long term disability insurance disclaimer (before you sign)
  • Fighting for short-term payments while you wait for the claim to settle (hopefully)
  • Helping you get a physician’s statement and other necessary paperwork
  • Getting you the right medical opinion and medical evidence to win your case

Disability Forms In Florida Summary

While it is ultimately up to the doctor whether or not they want to fill out disability forms, you have some options if they refuse. An experienced disability attorney in Florida can help you navigate these waters and get the benefits you deserve.

Dealing with disability insurance companies can be tough. That’s why you should book a free consultation with a disability lawyer.

Dealing with a health care crisis isn’t as easy as many people think. You should be able to find a disability law attorney who can work on a contingency fee. This is commonly known as “no win-no fee.”

Stop messing around, you need to get a treatment plan asap. Once you have figured things out with the insurance company, you will be able to work with a physical therapist, doctor, and/or nurse practitioner on your treatment plan or mental health plan.

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