How to Tell What Your Doctor REALLY Thinks

Artist: Robin Mead

Sometimes it’s hard to tell what your doctor really thinks. Sometimes you think you know what your doctor thinks, but what you thought you knew, you did not actually know. Ideas, tips and strategies from readers on how to find out what your doctor really thinks:

Talking To Your Doctor

If you haven’t talked to your doctor about your disability case, or you tried talking but it did not go the way you hoped, please check out: How to Have “The Talk”

Bringing a Friend Who Likes to Talk

If a friend or family member is coming with you to the doctor, they may be able to ask for you, check out Jamesia’s story: How to Help a Friend Get Approved for Disability

Reading Your Records

Talking to your doctor is a great help, but at the end of the day, there is only one way to know for sure what your doctor is writing about you: Read Your Medical Records.

Secret Records

Some people think they have seen all their records and later (tragically) discover they were wrong. Do not look at online portals. Do not read “visit summaries” handed to you at the front desk. How to Tell If There are Secret Medical Records You Have Not Seen.

Asking for a Simple Form

Some people find it helpful to start by asking their doctor to fill out a simple form confirming that they are disabled. If your doctor won’t sign a simple form for you, they are giving you a very, very clear message about where they stand. Examples of Simple Forms a Doctor Can Sign

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NOW WHAT?

Good News at the Doctor

Great! Now you can move on to figuring out: How to Work with Your Doctor to Get Great Disability Documentation

Bad News at the Doctor

If your doctor does not support your application, this is not really bad news… it is good news… because they told you! This is very, very, very good information to know. What To Do If Your Doctor Does Not Support Your Disability Application

Sort of Bad News at the Doctor

Sometimes doctors are supportive of your disability application, but refuse to fill out paperwork. If this happens, check out: How to Deal with a Doctor Who Hates Paperwork

Confusing News at the Doctor

Was your doctor vague? Confusing? Semi-supportive? This page also has strategies for this situation: What To Do If Your Doctor Does Not Support Your Disability Application

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This page is part of the free online guide: The Sleepy Girl Guide to Social Security Disability Art on this page by Robin Mead and Elizabeth D’Angelo.