Psychotherapy Notes Protected by HIPAA
June 14, 2010
How many times have you tried to no avail to get treatment notes from your client’s treating psychiatrist or psychologist, only to have an ALJ (Administrative Law Judge) deny the claim because there were no treatment notes to back up an assessment from the treating sources? Read More

Hearing Loss Listings Changed
June 14, 2010
The Social Security Administration (SSA) issued final rules revising the criteria of the Listing of Impairments involving hearing loss (Listing 2.00 Special Senses and Speech). The final rules are effective August 2, 2010. 75 Fed. Reg. 30693 (June 2, 2010). Read More

Endocrine Disorders Listing Undergoing Revision
January 21, 2010
In August 2005, SSA asked for input on how to revise its Listing of Impairments. In a December 14, 2009 notice, SSA proposes some radical changes to the Endocrine Listing for adults and children. Read More

Musculoskeletal Listings Extended
March 1, 2009
In an annual rite, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has extended a Listing due to expire, this time the Musculosceletal Listings, currently set to expire February 19, 2009. Read More

What Is...Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?
June 14, 2010
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), previously known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) is characterized by intense burning or aching pain or autonomic dysfunction, which worsens over time. Read More

SSA Issues Migraine Guidance
March 11, 2010
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently addressed some of these issues in response to questions posed by adjudicators. Read More

What Is...the McKenzie Method?
March 11, 2010
When reviewing medical records for a client with a neck or back impairment, you may see an entry noting that a treatment known as the McKenzie method was tried. So what is this? The McKenzie method, also known as Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), is a specialized method of physical therapy used to treat neck and back pain. Read More

DSM Revisions Proposed
March 11, 2010
The Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - or DSM - is slated for some major revisions to psychiatric diagnoses when the fifth edition is published in 2013 (DSM 5). Read More

Legal Services Groups Announce New Resource for Health Advocates
January 21, 2010
The Empire Justice Center, The Legal Aid Society, and Selfhelp Community Services are excited to announce the launching of a new website called New York Health Access designed for New York State health advocates, caregivers, and consumers. Read More

What Is...Trigeminal Neuralgia?
January 21, 2010
Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by sudden and intense facial pain that is often mentally and physically debilitating. The condition is most commonly found in women over age 50, and can be seen in patients with multiple sclerosis. Read More