Medical Evidence

This statute mandates that medical records be provided free of charge if requested for the purpose of supporting a claim or appeal under any provision of the Social Security Act or federal or state financial needs-based benefit program.

Remand was appropriate where the ALJ’s failed to consider an opinion from the claimant’s treating psychologist based on the incorrect inference that the psychologist’s opinion was only “countersigned” by the claimant’s treating physician.  The court rejected…

An 49 year old SSDI applicant alleged disability due to anxiety, depression with episodes of suicidal ideation, pain in his left knee and back. The record was replete with evidence of alcohol abuse that seemed to be in remission within the last two years from the date of the disability onset. The…

SSA Medical Expert handbook provides the basic information for medical providers who agree to participate in administrative law judge hearings.  The handbook explains Social Security’s disability programs, the appeals process, and ME's role and responsibilities.

Fact sheet on Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) from National Health Law Program

Information about the applicability of the HIPAA Privacy regulations to the Social Security Administration. The medical record and health information privacy provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) went into effect on April 14, 2003. In order to comply…