Did the SSA request you take a Consultative Exam after filing for disability benefits?
Sometimes, when a case doesn’t have sufficient medical evidence, Social Security suggests the claimant gets a new examination.
This request generally raises doubts and concerns among applicants.
What is the purpose of this exam? Am I obliged to take it? Will it hurt my case if I refuse?
Most people ask themselves the same questions.
We understand how stressful and overwhelming this process already is, and being requested to undergo a new medical examination can make it even more exasperating.
Today, we crafted a quick guide to be prepared for SSA consultative examinations. A professional Indianapolis disability attorney will explain the purpose of such exams, what happens if you refuse, and 6 experts’ tips to attend with confidence.
What Is The SSA Consultative Exam?
Consultative examinations are medical tests (physical or mental) that the Social Security Administration (SSA) might request the claimant take during the claim process.
Sometimes, the medical evidence the applicant provides is not enough for the SSA to determine if they have a qualifying disability.
In other cases, the claimant has not seen a doctor in a while, and the SSA suggests a consultative exam (CE) to gather updated medical evidence.
Are Consultative Examinations Mandatory?
No, you are not obliged to take a consultative examination.
However, refusing or missing the CE can significantly hinder your chances of obtaining disability benefits.
The SSA requests a CE when it considers the medical evidence insufficient to confirm that someone is disabled.
Without enough medical proof, your claim will most likely be rejected.
6 Steps To Be Prepared for Your Consultative Exam
Worried about your SSA’s consultative exam? Follow these 6 steps to attend prepared and with confidence:
- Understand The Purpose of The Exam
The purpose of consultative examinations is to gather objective medical evidence of your physical or emotional limitations.
A third-party physician, not your healthcare provider, will perform the exam. The results will be sent directly to the SSA reviewers.
- Bring A List of Essential Information
Bring any crucial information to give the physician more context regarding your disability.
Remember that the doctor will not have access to your medical history, so you must provide anything to help them understand your health condition.
You can make a list that includes:
- Recurring symptoms
- The severity of your symptoms
- Medications you take
- Tests you have taken
- Diagnoses
- Organize Your Medical Records
The CE physician will have direct access to the information the SSA provides but not your medical records.
We strongly recommend you take your own medical records to the appointment.
This will allow you to provide updated evidence of recent tests, doctor notes, and other relevant information.
If the examining physician inquires about your medical history, you will be prepared with details to clarify any concerns that arise.
- Dress Comfortably and Arrive Early
Arrive a bit early for your CE appointment to avoid missing it and having to reschedule. Missing it will only add another layer of stress and further delay the process.
What should you wear to the exam?
Dress in comfortable clothes that allow movement; that will make the physical exam easier.
Opt for loose-fitting clothes to facilitate the doctor’s assessment of your physical condition, including range of motion, reflexes, and muscle strength.
- Be Honest About Your Symptoms and Limitations
At your consultative exam—and any stage of the SSDI process—it’s important to be honest about your health condition.
The CE physician and the SSA will quickly notice if you are maximizing the impact of your disability symptoms.
Exaggerating your symptoms can hurt your credibility and decrease your chances of winning. If you lie about the severity of your disability, the SSA can automatically deny your case.
At the same time, don’t downplay how your impairment affects your daily life and work-related activities. Be candid about what you experience, both on good and bad days.
- Know Your Rights and Consult with A Lawyer if Necessary
While refusing the SSA’s physical exam can hurt your case, know you are not obliged to attend.
We recommend working with a lawyer who will help you understand your rights and ensure they are met throughout the entire disability case process.
You have the right to be treated with respect and professionalism at the exam.
If you feel that the physician is behaving inappropriately or not attending to your concerns, you can make detailed notes about such issues and discuss them with your lawyer.
Your attorney will help you address challenges that arise during or after the exam.
Ready To Attend Your SSA’s Consultative Exam?
Consultative exams are sometimes part of the SSDI process.
When a claimant doesn’t have enough evidence to provide, the SSA might require this examination to gather further medical proof.
You want to make the most out of your appointment to ensure the results weigh in your favor.
Follow the 6 steps from this guide to prepare yourself and feel confident during your consultative examination.