Many FOs have worked out special arrangements with institutions and government agencies
for requesting medical reports. Notify the medical sources to forward the medical
reports directly to the DDS, or OCO/ODO, as appropriate. In the rare instance where
medical development is initiated by the FO and the FO is notified by the source that
the evidence will not be available for some time, prepare a status report and forward
it to the DDS or OCO/ODO. (If the SSA-3367-F4 is available, annotate the appropriate
items to indicate that medical development was undertaken.)
If the FO has made special arrangements with medical sources to photocopy medical
records, continue this practice. Forward photocopied records to the DDS promptly.
When, by special arrangement, the FO representative personally secures medical reports
from hospitals, or from an institution official, but the records are not immediately
available, give the source a stamped preaddressed envelope to mail the medical report
directly to the DDS.
In some cases, institutions, hospitals, or agencies may be unable or unwilling to
comply with requests for medical evidence. When this occurs, attempt to make special
arrangements with the source(s) (e.g., arrange to make photocopies of reports on file).
Keep in mind, however, that the ARC for Management Operations Support must approve
all special arrangements. FOs should contact the regional Center for Disability for
assistance.