How do you approach requests from attorneys to complete paperwork supporting your patient’s application for long-term disability?

If the diagnosis does not support disability, I will give the attorney a call. This saves time, money, and my effort of writing a report. They may provide more collateral, or they may not use me. Either way, I am not stuck defending an untenable position. In terms of ambiguous questions, I try to be...

This is a very common situation that occurs, as often the nature of the patient's illness can lead to disability. As the provider, I do believe we have an obligation to provide information about our diagnosis and treatment when requested to do so by a patient.

I personally like to complete this info...

We don't fill out any disability forms. However, we do release medical records to the disability board once we receive written authorization from the patient. And that is all.

If an attorney sends disability forms, I first decide whether the questions are appropriate for a treating psychiatrist. If the patient appears to need long‑term disability and I am not acting as an IME, I complete the forms within the therapeutic setting and make the process part of treatment. Acti...

Firstly, I will address the forms if it is my opinion that the patient is truly disabled. Otherwise, not only will I not complete them, but I will also discuss the basis of my assessment with the patient. In some cases (e.g., it may be more therapeutic for that patient to be gainfully employed), or ...