| MS Clinical Care Connection |
| A Resource for Healthcare Professionals |
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| New Social Security Disability Guidebook |
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has significantly revised the criteria for evaluating neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS), for disability determination. In addition, SSA now actively solicits supporting information from other clinicians (in addition to physicians) providing care to the MS patient, acknowledging the importance of their input.
The National MS Society’s new publication—Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits: A Guidebook for People with MS and Their Healthcare Providers—helps clinicians and their patients collaborate in the Social Security Disability application process (including applications for SSDI and SSI).
The Guide includes:
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Overview of the new disability criteria for MS
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Description of essential roles of the patient and her/his healthcare providers in the collaborative application process |
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Tips and strategies for submitting a comprehensive, evidence-based application |
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Disability evaluation checklist to assist healthcare providers in gathering/tracking the information required to support a successful application |
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Sample medical source statements from healthcare providers |
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| Vaccinations and MS |
The Academy of Neurology, in collaboration with the Immunization Panel of the Multiple Sclerosis Council for Clinical Practice Guidelines, published a summary of evidence and recommendations regarding immunizations and MS. They concluded that the evidence supports strategies to minimize the risk of acquiring infectious diseases that may trigger MS relapses, and that the influenza, hepatitis B, varicella and tetanus vaccines are safe for people with MS. It was also determined that there is no increased risk of developing MS after vaccinations against seasonal influenza, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus (HPV), measles-mumps-rubella, variola, tetanus, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), polio, or diphtheria.
For more information about vaccinations and MS, including special considerationswith disease-modifying therapies, visit the National MS Society website and download the 2017 systematic review.
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| Resources for you and your patients |
The National MS Society supports MS healthcare professionals through professional publications and tools, including a calendar of upcoming meetings, conferences and CE opportunities, health insurance appeals letters and supporting documentation.
In addition resources that help support people living with MS and their families are also available. If you would like additional information or resources, please contact us at Healthprof_info@nmss.org.
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| Free CME and CE
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Free mobile app – download or update now
Information at your fingertips about MS diagnosis, disease and symptom management. iPhone or Android |
| The National MS Society supports MS healthcare professionals through professional publications, tools and materials, as well as resources to share with patients and their families. Our information and resources are designed to help people affected by MS live their best lives—in partnership with all of the members of the MS comprehensive healthcare team. |
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