Create a Report

• 1). Interview the patient that is making the claim. Discuss how the disability negatively affects their ability to work. Ask if they have other employment options to look for. Ask what kind of jobs they feel they are qualified for. This will give you an idea of the tasks that may be involved in the particular job.
  
  
• 2). Evaluate the patient using a checklist that will be used for all patients (though you may need to modify the checklist for some patients). The checklist should have items such as "sit, stand, bend, walk, balance, dexterous hands, reach over the head." If your patient is filing for disability due to limited mental capacity, you should perform an evaluation which assesses their ability to follow and understand directions, complete tasks and execute daily living activities.
  
  
• 3). Provide information from the patient chart that clarifies the patient's level of strength, grip ability and range of motion for the extremities. In the case of mental disabilities, provide historical information from the chart that clarifies the patient's level of functioning.
  
  
• 4). Write your assessment of the patient's ability to perform, under the general conditions of a working environment, at this level for eight hours a day, five days a week.
  
  
• 5). Compile the gathered information in a professional, objective format. The report should not be biased in any way. It should simply state the evaluation outcomes. Include a section clearly marked "Professional opinion". In this section, you will summarize your professional opinion as to the ability of the patient to perform gainful employment on a routine and ongoing basis.
  
  
• 6). Submit your report directly to the office requesting the information.