Social Security Disability will sometimes order X-rays but never an MRIThe Social Security system does not pay for testing unless it is essential to make a Social Security Disability or SSI determination. Most disability determinations are made with the evidence provided (by treating physicians and/or consultative examinations reports) without the benefit of x-rays or MRIs. But...if the disability examiner handling a particular case feels that x-rays are needed to make a determination, or that the consultative examining physician will need imaging to make their report, they may schedule an appointment for one or more x-rays. However, when it comes to imaging studies, x-rays are the end of the line. Social Security never pays for MRIs or more advanced imaging techniques for their decisions. Fortunately, many individuals who have been receiving ongoing treatment have this type of information in their medical record documentation. Unfortunately, if an individual has no medical treatment, or no current medical treatment, the most they can hope for is that social security will pay for an x-ray of the affected area. Why does SSA draw the line at x-rays? Well, the cost of obtaining more advanced imaging would be considered prohibitive. Each year, Social Security receives more than two million disability cases...and that number is climbing steadily. So, its not likely that social security will ever pay for MRIs, CT scans, bone scans, or, for that matter, even x-rays every time a claimant makes an allegation regarding back pain. Note: if an individual wants to be approved for Social Security Disability it's typically best to be under the care of a treating physician, which usually means your regular doctor, assuming they have a history of providing treatment for your condition, or conditions. If an applicant is unable to provide any information (no medical records at all, or no recent medical records), Social Security will get "medical information" of a sort in the form of consultative exams, which may or may not include sending a claimant out for x-rays. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: The disability medical exam A disability exam may help with the decision a case Disability for a mental condition Disability Lawyers, Medical Records, and Social Security Hearings Tips for Social Security Disability Psychological and mental testing How Long does a Social Security Disability Determination take After Seeing the Psychologist? Social Security Disability Mental Psychological Exam and Questions that get Asked Does social security deny strong disability claims? Social Security Disability is different from VA disability Why are you denied the first time you are denied for disability? What Happens To Social Security Disability Benefits After Divorce? Can I do What I want with my Social Security Back Pay? How much information should you put on a disability application? What disability claimants get angry about - Part I Social Security and not getting the medical records Social Security Disability will sometimes order X-rays but never an MRI These pages provide answers to basic questions about pursuing disability benefits Who is eligible for SSI disability? How to get disability in Florida |
