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INNOCENT THINGS YOU SAY TO YOUR DOCTOR CAN GET BENEFITS DENIED

What's the most common response to a greeting, "How are you doing?"

"I'm doing fine," or "I'm all right."  We all say that.  And no one pays much attention, except Social Security when they review your medical records.

The doctor rushes into the little exam cubicle on the day of your appointment and casually says, "Hi, Mr. Patient, how ya doing?"  You reply, "Doin' just fine, Doctor."

Here's how I've seen innocent remarks that used in Social Security decisions:

"The claimant saw Dr. Peter Feelbetter on 5/3/23.  He told the doctor that he was doing fine.  He made no complaints of pain or difficulty with activities of daily living.  The doctor found normal respiration, normal  cardiovascular function and there was no sign of deformity to the spine. or joints. Reflexes are +2 in all extremities.  The claimant was able to get on and off the exam table without assistance. "

Let me say, you should be absolutely honest with our doctor.  I am not suggesting that you ever exaggerate symptoms or problems.  I am only suggesting that certain things you say to your doctor can be taken completely out of context.  And what you don't say can give the wrong impression.

When Mr. Patient said, "Doin' just fine, Doctor," it was not the same as saying, "I'm in perfect health, Doctor; I don't have any medical problems at all."  But that may be the way it gets interpreted (out of context).

So, what are we suggesting?  Be sure your doctor is aware of problems you are still having.  For example, "I'm still having a lot of back pain," or "I don't sleep well and I feel exhausted."  If true, you might tell your doctor, "I struggle to do my housework," or "I need a lot of help with things like shopping and driving."

While you never want to exaggerate, your doctor does need frank information about your pain levels or difficulty with doing daily activities.  In short, don't tell the doctor, "Hey, doc, I'm really doing just great," if that is not the case.





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