Disability evaluations: more than completing a form.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 1 billion persons worldwide have a disability. In the United States, more than 56 million American workers have some form of disability; of these, more than 38 million persons have a severe disability. Blacks and Hispanics are among the groups with the highest disability rates, as well as older patients. Conditions that most often lead to disability include arthritis, back or spine problems, and heart conditions. Common limitations include the inability to walk three city blocks or to climb a flight of stairs. Patients with a disability experience health disparities and barriers to appropriate health care. Disability impacts family members and caregivers, as well as patients. Impairment, disability, and handicap are key terms that physicians must understand to properly evaluate patients and make appropriate recommendations. Social Security Disability Insurance and workers' compensation are the two largest disability programs in the United States. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides disability benefits for veterans, and private disability insurance may be provided by the employer or purchased by the employee. Family physicians can perform the initial evaluation, consult appropriate subspecialists, complete the necessary paperwork, and answer questions from the patient, employer, or disability agency.