Someone who is going through the Social Security disability process may receive a notice to attend a consultative examination Social Security has setup. These are requirements for a disability case and are not optional. If you decide not to attend a CE, your claim will be denied. Not all cases require CEs, mainly cases where there is not enough medical evidence is when Social Security Disability decided to schedule these exams. Ultimately, it will be the decision of Disability Determination Services, a state agency, which determines if a CE is warranted.
Consultative Examiners for the DDS
In the absence of sufficient medical evidence from a claimant’s own medical sources, SSA, through the State DDS, may request an additional CE(s) to be performed by licensed medical sources (such as physicians and psychologists). All CE sources must be currently licensed in the State and have the training and experience to perform the type of examination or test SSA requests.
Each State establishes the set fee for CEs, and fees may vary from State to State. Each State agency is responsible for comprehensive oversight of its CE program.
Medical professionals who perform CEs must have a good understanding of SSA’s disability programs and their evidentiary requirements. In addition, these medical professionals are made fully aware of their responsibilities and obligations regarding confidentiality and:
- CE scheduling intervals;
- CE report content;
- Elements of a complete CE;
- When a complete CE is not required; and
- Signature requirements.
About 30 days or so after the exam, the physician conducting the CE will send a report to DDS. This report should contain information about medical impairments and how severe they are. The physician may also comment on the claimant’s ability to work. These types of exams are helpful, but it is much better for claimants to treat with their own doctors so these exams are not needed.
This email is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. §§2510-2521. This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to which they are addressed. This communication may also contain material protected by the attorney-client privilege. If you are not the intended recipient you are hereby notified that disclosing, copying, distributing or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited.
