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"ACCEPTABLE MEDICAL SOURCES" FOR SOCIAL SECURITY EVIDENCE

 

20 CFR.404 § 416.902 lists who is an "acceptable medical source" with Social Security to provide evidence of a disability.

Acceptable medical sources include the following 8 professionals:

(1) Licensed physician (medical or osteopathic doctor);

(2) Licensed psychologist, which includes:

(3) Licensed optometrist for impairments of visual disorders, or measurement of visual acuity and visual fields only, depending on the scope of practice in the State in which the optometrist practices;

(4) Licensed podiatrist for impairments of the foot, or foot and ankle only, depending on whether the State in which the podiatrist practices permits the practice of podiatry on the foot only, or the foot and ankle;

(5) Qualified speech-language pathologist for speech or language impairments only.

(6) Licensed audiologist for impairments of hearing loss, auditory processing disorders, and balance disorders within the licensed scope of practice only (with respect to claims filed  on or after March 27, 2017) (see § 416.325);

(7) Licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, or other licensed advanced practice nurse with another title, for impairments within his or her licensed scope of practice (only with respect to claims filed (see § 416.325) on or after March 27, 2017); or

(8) Licensed Physician Assistant (PA) for impairments within his or her licensed scope of practice (only with respect to claims filed (see § 416.325) on or after March 27, 2017). 

WILL EVIDENCE FROM OTHER SOURCES BE CONSIDERED?

Yes.  Social Security will consider all evidence in a disability claim.  However, nothing can replace evidence from an "acceptable medical source."  Other evidence, in addition, can be considered--even from non-medical sources.  But if there is no evidence from an "acceptable medical source," it is unlikely the claim will be successful.

Some common treatment sources that are NOT acceptable medical sources include:

  • Most nurse practitioners
  • Chiropractors
  • Licensed Social Workers
  • Licensed mental health counselors or therapists 
  • Medical assistants, except state licensed Physician's Assistants)
  • Neuropaths
  • Holistic practitioners who do not hold the MD or DO

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