| What are consultative examinations? | | | | case, some cases will already have several |
| Where social security disability (SSDI) hearings are | | | | evaluations documented. |
| concerned, consultative examinations are oftentimes | | | | Additional considerations with CE's |
| requested in an effort to obtain the opinions of | | | | Should a claimant be suffering with more than one |
| outside medical professionals in order to evaluate MS | | | | medical or psychological condition, the SSA may order |
| disability claims. Although the SSA will always | | | | additional CE's from several different specialists such |
| evaluate and take into consideration all of your | | | | as neurologists or orthopedists for example. The |
| treating physician's and specialist's records, they may | | | | SSA determines whether or not a CE is needed and |
| also require you to submit additional evaluations by an | | | | their decision will typically be based upon certain |
| independent medical professional. This is done in | | | | factors relative to additional medical evidence that is |
| order to obtain additional substantiating evidence on | | | | needed above and beyond the current |
| your behalf. | | | | documentation on hand. |
| The function of the consultative examiner | | | | This required information includes: |
| The SSA will select the CE who is ordered to | | | | -clinical findings |
| examine the claimant. Depending on the nature of | | | | -diagnosis |
| the claim, the claimant may be referred to a | | | | -lab tests |
| psychiatrist, a psychologist, or regular physician in | | | | -prognosis |
| order to obtain an independent opinion. The claimant | | | | -other clinical reports |
| is not going to be treated by the professional who | | | | Additionally, the SSA pays for the consultative |
| performs the consultative examination. Their | | | | examination and when one is requested, the claimant |
| function in your Social Security Disability hearing is to | | | | is obligated by law to participate. |
| conduct an examination, prepare documentation | | | | Consequences of not showing up for your CE |
| relative to their findings, and then submit that | | | | There is a good possibility that the SSA will deny |
| documentation to the ALJ hearing your case. | | | | your benefits if you do not participate in a CE. |
| As the claimant, you are allowed to read their report, | | | | Remember that it is important to always cooperate |
| called a Disability Determination Evaluation (or DDE) | | | | with the demands of the hearing. Typically, that CE |
| prior to the hearing. The DDE will be considered by | | | | is requested based on a need for further information |
| the SSA in order to determine whether or not they | | | | relative to your case. It is not requested in order to |
| are going to award you any benefits. Just be aware | | | | deny you the SSDI benefits you deserve and need. |
| that not every disability case will require the services | | | | The judge just needs further information so he or |
| of a CE. Based on the individual facts involved in the | | | | she can make the best decision possible. |