The Social Security Disability Doctor Appointment is Called a CESome people who apply for Social Security Disability are required to attend a Social Security medical examination called a consultative exam (CE). The CE is typically needed in cases in which the claimant has no recent medical records that document his current state of health. Social Security defines recent as within the past 60 days, so those who have not have not seen a physician for their impairment within this time frame will probably be sent for a CE. However, it's important to note that a disability examiner can send a claimant for a CE at any time the examiner feels he needs more information, or more clarification regarding the limitations imposed by an impairment. Unfortunately, a CE is very unlikely to provide the examiner with any information other than the claimant's supposed state of health at the exact moment of the exam. Social Security medical exams are carried out by private physicians with their own practice, the thought being that such individuals will be unbiased in their opinions. And yet, this is not always the case, as many people who have attended CEs have reported that the physician was both rude and dismissive. If you attend a CE and find that you are treated badly, you should report this to the disability examiner who sent you, though the likelihood of such a complaint changing the outcome of your case is slim at best. CEs are generally performed for one purpose and one purpose only: to allow a disability examiner to close a case. Disability examiners cannot close cases without recent medical evidence. These exams are a mere formality in that they allow the examiner to get the medical evidence needed, even though it is highly improbable that the findings of a CE will alter the examiner's disability decision in any way. Indeed, in most cases the examiner has already formed an opinion well in advance of the CE, and is just looking to dot all the i's and t's before composing his synopsis and getting the file off his desk. CEs are usually pretty brief'-10 to 15 minutes is the average. They are sometimes not even performed by a doctor who specializes in treating the claimant's particular impairment. For instance, a urologist or gynecologist could be the one evaluating a case of spinal stenosis, diabetic neuropathy, seizure disorder or epilepsy, etc. Sound ridiculous? Well, ideally it won't matter much, at least not to SSD/SSI applicants with a history of documented medical treatment for their impairment(s). If it's true that a CE won't help your case much, it's also fair to say that it won't hurt it much, and certainly won't overrule all of the other medical evidence in your file. If you are sent for a CE, it is well worth your time to attend; in fact, failure to attend a CE or multiple CEs could be a basis for dismissal of your claim, regardless of your level of impairment. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: What medical conditions qualify for disability in NC? Social Security Disability Claims and Medical Exams What is the Purpose of the Social Security Disability SSI Medical Exam, or CE? Social Security Medical Exam - the purpose of the Consultative Examination Social Security Consultative Medical Exams and How they affect Disability Claims The Social Security Disability Doctor Appointment is Called a CE If Social Security Disability sends you to an Exam, will it be done by your doctor? Social Security Disability, SSI Medical Exams For Physical Problems Social Security Administration Physical Consultative Exam (CE) Social Security Disability, SSI, and Mental Testing Do the Results of the Social Security Psychological Exam have any Bearing on Being Approved? Will an SSI or Social Security Exam help with the Decision? Getting a Disability Lawyer in California Will I qualify for disability Benefits in California? How long does it take to get disability in California? |
