Can a physical therapist complete and sign the necessary forms required for a disability claim? The answer to this common question depends entirely on the type of disability claim being filed and the specific rules of the governing body. Physical therapy plays a large role in assessing a person’s functional ability, which is the core of any disability determination. Physical therapists are experts in measuring mobility, strength, and endurance, providing objective data on a person’s physical limitations. This functional assessment is crucial in determining what an individual can still do despite their medical condition.
Limits on Physical Therapist Authority in Federal Claims
Physical therapists are generally not authorized to be the sole certifying provider for federal disability benefits, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains a strict list of professionals considered “Acceptable Medical Sources” (AMS) who can establish the existence of a medically determinable impairment. These accepted sources typically include licensed physicians, osteopaths, and licensed psychologists.
Physical therapists fall under the category of “Other Medical Sources” by the SSA’s rules. This means their opinion cannot be used to officially establish a diagnosis or the medical severity of an impairment, which is a prerequisite for a disability claim. The final disability determination must be signed by an SSA-approved medical consultant, usually a physician or psychologist, working for the state’s Disability Determination Services (DDS).
The evidence provided by a physical therapist is still required and utilized by the DDS adjudicators, even if the therapist cannot sign the final determination. Their records are considered important supporting evidence that contributes to the overall medical file. Without the foundational medical diagnosis from an Acceptable Medical Source, however, the therapist’s detailed functional report cannot stand on its own to certify a disability.
The Objective Functional Evidence Physical Therapists Provide
The documentation physical therapists generate is highly valued because it provides objective, measurable data on a claimant’s physical restrictions. A disability claim rests on proving how a medical condition limits work-related functions, and this is exactly what physical therapists specialize in assessing. They conduct formal measurements of joint range of motion, muscle strength, and endurance.
This objective evidence translates directly into the criteria used by the SSA to complete a claimant’s Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form. The RFC is an administrative assessment of what a person can still do in a work setting despite their limitations. Physical therapists document the specific duration a person can sit or stand, the maximum weight they can lift and carry, and their ability to perform postural movements like stooping or crouching.
The therapist’s detailed notes on timed activities, such as how long a claimant can walk or how often they must change position, are particularly persuasive. This objective data helps the SSA determine the claimant’s exertional level, such as sedentary, light, or medium work. They also report on the patient’s adherence to treatment and their response, which helps confirm the severity and long-term nature of the impairment.
Disparity Between Federal and Private Disability Requirements
The requirements for federal programs like SSDI/SSI are significantly different from those governing private disability insurance policies. Private, employer-sponsored, or short-term disability insurance carriers often have more flexible rules regarding who can complete and certify disability forms. The specific language of the individual insurance policy dictates whether a physical therapist is considered a certifying provider.
Many private long-term disability policies may require a physician to certify the initial claim, but they may accept a physical therapist’s report to substantiate ongoing functional limitations. For short-term disability claims, particularly those focused on recovery from a temporary injury or surgery, private insurers frequently grant physical therapists greater latitude. This is because the focus is on functional recovery time rather than a permanent inability to work.
The key difference is that private carriers may prioritize the functional assessment over the medical diagnosis, especially when the diagnosis is clear and the claim is for a limited duration. While a physical therapist may be able to sign a form for a private plan, claimants should always review their specific policy language or consult their insurer. Policy rules and internal guidelines of private insurance companies vary widely, unlike the strict, uniform regulations of the Social Security Administration.