Predator for Social Security Disability • Crocodile Consulting  •  (336) 724-5050  •  www.crocodileconsult ing.com  •  $1,495 for a single-user system; $1,995 for a 2-user system; $895 for additional users up to 10.  •  Windows 98 or later, Windows XP recommended. You will need Microsoft Access 2002 or 2003 installed on your desktop, along with either Microsoft Word XP/2003 or Corel WordPerfect – Version 10 or 12.

Pros: Predator is easily navigated, even by the novice. Excellent merge capability allows you to create a client database and then process all the reports that you need. All SSD forms are included at no extra charge.

Cons: Installation could be tricky for inexperienced staff.

Verdict: Predator helps keep your SSD client database organized. Using its extensive features, you will be able to easily process necessary forms and keep track of awards, denials and appeals.

Review

Predator for Social Security Disability

by Mary Girsch-Bock

July/August 2008 Table of Contents

Predator for Social Security Disability, from Crocodile Consulting, is case management software designed for law firms that administer SSD cases on a regular basis. Predator’s colorful user interface contains a series of tabs representing various program functions, including Document Merge, where you can choose to merge client database information with numerous forms and documents that come included with Predator. Click on the Document/Exhibit list to view and access all documents for each particular file, including correspondence, medical records and photos. E-mail documents directly from the Document/Exhibit screen, or print a report list if desired.

No more hunting around for the correct government form. Predator comes with all the necessary SSD forms, some of which include Appointment of Representative (SSA-1696-U4), Request for Reconsideration (SSA-561-U2), Disability Report — Appeal (SSA-3441-BK), Request for Hearing by Administrative Law Judge (HA-501-U5), Request for Review by a Federal Reviewing Official (SSA-61), Authorization for Source to Release (SSA-827), Disability Report — Adult (SSA-3368-BK) and Function Report — Adult (SSA-3373-BK). All forms can be auto-filled from client information entered and are saved in the client file for future reference.

Predator also comes with a long list of letter templates including pre-formatted cover letters to doctors for medical records and a release form to send with the request, as well as related hospital cover letters and release forms. The medical records request will auto-fill the necessary data fields, including physician information, patient name and service dates for the medical or hospital records you wish to obtain — a real time saver, particularly if you are handling multiple cases.

Another great feature of Predator is that you can create a client file for each client, saving all relevant documents, including correspondence, forms and medical records for quick and easy access for follow-up.

The Filings and Appeals function allows you to record initial filings, including date of initial application, initial result, hearing request date (if any), hearing date and other fields that can be utilized if necessary, and automatically includes and tracks every level of appeal. The Awards and Payments function allows you to record SSI or SSD award amounts, fee amounts requested, date initial payments are received, amount received and payment type. The Intake I and Intake II function allows you to enter an extensive personal history for each client, including education levels, alcohol and drug use, disability type and description, current restrictions and limitations, and date of onset of disability.

Other tabs include Reports, where any report can be accessed and run, and Tasks, where you can enter and maintain a list of tasks that need to be completed for each client. For better time management, assign each new task a due date, then describe the details of that task for future reference. Click on the “done” box when each task is complete. Predator allows you to create extensive notes for each case using the “Notes” function. Here you can record vital information, or click on “start” to record time spent working on a file, talking to a client or doing any other work concerning a client. It keeps a running total of the time spent on the case, plus the expenses. You also can enter related expenses, if any. (Be sure to define the purpose for each task or note recorded.)

Reporting options are excellent in Predator, with three categories of reports available: Results and Management Reports; Pending Reports; and Notes, Tasks, Summary, and Lists. Management Reports available include New Clients Accepted; Cases Won, Lost, and Dropped by Month; Hearings Each Month; and Results from Hearings, Appeals, and Federal Appeals. Pending Reports provides you with a list of all reports pending in the system waiting for further data. Notes, Tasks, Summary, and Lists lets you view or print tasks, follow-up reports, call lists, notes and numerous client lists, which conveniently can be sorted by various criteria such as doctor, hospital or judge.

Function buttons for Doctors, Doctors’ Records, Hospitals and Hospital Records allow you to record detailed information about each doctor visited by your client, including date(s) of service, details about the practice such as address, telephone number, billing phone number, e-mail address and any pertinent notes. The hospital function allows you to display dates of hospital visits, treatment information, attending physician and notes. You also can record when records were requested from each doctor and hospital in the database and note when records were received in your office. Record current and past medications prescribed to your client, including current dosage, prescribing doctor’s information and prescription dates. Other fields such as Contacts, Employers, Schools, Hearings and Appeals allow you to enter detailed information about the client.

For law firms currently managing SSI or SSD cases, Predator can streamline your workload tremendously. Easily navigated with a friendly user interface, Predator is a great tool for managing your cases.