Asked To Complete An SSA Consultative Exam? What To Know

If you are awaiting a decision by the Social Security Administration (SSA) on an application for benefits, you might receive a letter about having a consultative exam (CE) performed. Those who apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may be asked to complete these exams. This exam does not mean that you are not getting your benefits approved but you should take the request seriously. Read on for what to do and know about the CE.

1. The CE is called for when the SSA needs more medical information about the condition under which you applied. When applicants have not recently received medical treatment or the SSA is having trouble contacting your doctor, the SSA will also ask for this exam. There is almost nothing more important to the SSA than your medical condition. They will need to verify that you have the condition, that you have received treatment for it, and whether the condition has worsened since you first applied for benefits. Since the wait for benefits can be long, it's not unusual for many claimants to develop new medical conditions or a worsening of current conditions.
2. The CE is often paid for by the SSA and it may be performed by your own doctor. If you don't have a doctor, the SSA will choose one for you. You must appear for this exam, otherwise you could be denied the benefits you applied for. It should be mentioned that a CE could be required for those applying due to a medical condition or a mental health condition.
3. A CE is not like a regular exam since the doctor won't be doing any treatment as a result. The exam is to check only certain medical conditions and their symptoms, as well as perform diagnostic tests. For instance, the CE doctor could send you for blood tests, breathing tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, and more. That means that you should not ask this doctor questions about your condition because they are not able to answer them. You also cannot expect to be prescribed any medication during this exam. It's simply an evaluation exam.

If the CE results in a denial of benefits, speak to a Social Security lawyer at once. They will represent you at the appeal hearing so that you can speak about your medical or psychological condition in person.

Contact a local law office to learn more.