JOB TITLE: DISABILITY PHYSICIAN SPECIALIST

JOB CODE: 33300

DEFINITION: This is professional medical work of an administrative nature in the review of disability claims.

An employee in this job reviews proposed disability determinations to ensure compliance with Social Security Administration medical regulations. Work involves evaluating the medical aspects of assigned Social Security disability claims by reviewing proposed determinations for adequacy of medical evidence and assessing the claimant’s residual functional capacity. Work may also involve providing medical expertise to the Bureau of Disability Determination’s program staff during the review and adjudication of disability claims. Work is performed independently under the supervision of the Disability Physician Administrator.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.):

• Reviews proposed disability determinations to ensure the accuracy of the decision and adequacy of medical evidence in accordance with Social Security Administration medical regulations.

• Assesses a claimant’s residual functional capacity based upon medical documentation, medical knowledge, and knowledge of Social Security regulations and instructions.

• Assists disability determination staff in the evaluation of medical evidence in claims selected for quality review.

• Reviews requests for consultative examinations which include dangerous studies to ensure the studies are not medically contraindicated.

• Consults medical sources to clarify complex medical issues.

• Responds to medical questions from non-medical staff concerning the adequacy of documentation, severity of the claimant’s medical condition, and residual functional capacity.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques in the field of modern medicine.

• Knowledge of developments in methods and techniques of testing for diagnoses and severity of diseases and impairments.

• Knowledge of the medical aspects of disability program regulations under the Social Security Act.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities):

• Three years of post-residency experience in the medical specialty or subspecialty practiced.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All positions require possession of an active unrestricted or active retired license to practice medicine in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine or the Pennsylvania State Board of Osteopathic Medicine.

• All employees must successfully complete the continuing medical education required to maintain an active unrestricted or active retired license to practice medicine in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine or the Pennsylvania State Board of Osteopathic Medicine.