If you apply for Social Security Disability benefits, there’s a good chance you’ll be scheduled to attend a Consultative Exam (CE). Consultative Exams are medical examinations with SSA-contracted doctors. They are routinely scheduled for SSD claimants when additional medical information is needed to make a decision on their claim. The most common types of Consultative Exams are physical and psychological.
Who Schedules Consultative Exams?
The Disability Determination Services (DDS) is an agency that works with the Social Security Administration to determine whether a person is eligible for disability benefits. If your assigned DDS examiner does not have enough medical evidence to make a determination in your case, they will schedule you to attend a CE in order to gather additional medical information.
Not all claimants are scheduled for CEs. If you have robust medical records to show objective evidence of your disabling conditions, you most likely will not be scheduled for a CE. This is why we strongly recommend seeing multiple providers and continuing regular treatment while applying for disability; the more medical evidence you have, the better your chances are of being approved.
Do You Have to Pay for Consultative Exams?
No, you do not have to pay for your Consultative Exam; DDS is responsible for the cost of the exam. They may even be able to cover the cost of transportation if needed.
How Can You Prepare for Your Consultative Exam?
- Arrive for the exam at least 10 minutes early.
- Note the exact time you are seen and the exact time the doctor or nurse finishes their exam.
- Write down the name(s) of any providers who speak to you or examine you. Ask which records they have reviewed of yours and write them down.
- Do not exaggerate or fake your symptoms or bring an ambulatory device unless it has been prescribed by one of your doctors.
- Speak up and be vocal about the symptoms you experience on a bad day from your medical condition(s) along with any side effects you experience from your medication.
- Note the types of tests that are conducted and the approximate duration of each test.
- Do not get irritated with the doctor or nurse! Even if you are waiting past your appointment time or if anyone is rude to you. Ask for names and simply take note of it.
- Keep in mind the doctor and staff may be friendly, but they are not your friends.
What Happens if You Don’t Attend Your Consultative Exam?
If you do not attend your Consultative Exam, DDS will make a decision on your case with the evidence that they have, which often results in a denial. If you cannot attend a Consultative Exam due to a scheduling conflict, contact your DDS examiner immediately to have the exam rescheduled. If you do not attend your CE, you are almost guaranteed to be denied.
How Can an Attorney Help?
If there is an issue with your Consultative Exam our office can help you file a complaint with SSA and potentially get a new CE scheduled. Our office has years of experience helping claimants get approved for SSDI benefits and would be happy to assist you in the frustrating process of applying for disability benefits.
