If your doctor is willing, they can perform the disability exam   I've heard this question voiced more than once. If Social Security sends you to a Consultative Medical Exam, will it be done by your own doctor? Answer: maybe...but probably not. Why? Part of it is probably because most doctors, and in most cases that includes your doctor, don't want to conduct consultative examinations for social security due to the low amount of compensation provided by SSA. The other part may be due to the problems that go hand in hand with physician recruitment. What do I mean by physician recruitment? Basically, getting doctors who are willing to conduct medical exams for social security. DDS, or disability determination services agency, has something called a PRO, or professional relations office, staffed by individuals who attempt to recruit, and retain, independent physicians to conduct CE appointments for individuals applying for disability. Doctors regularly drop out of the pool of doctors available for such examinations because A) the rate of compensation is not high and B) they often get fed up with the number of disability claimants who miss their appointments without providing advance notification. Of course, if you are scheduled for a consultative physical examination and... 1) You can't, for whatever reason, go on the date you've been scheduled -- then call the disability examiner who's handling your case to let them know. That way, you can avoid a missed appointment, get a new examination date scheduled, and probably save some processing time on your case. 2) You'd like your own doctor to conduct your consultative physical examination -- then it wouldn't be a bad idea to A) ask your doctor if he/she would be willing to perform the exam and B) notify the disability examiner who is handling your case that you would prefer to be examined by your own doctor and that your doctor is willing to conduct the examination. Note: According to the social security administration's own published information, SSA would prefer that the consultative medical exam be conducted by your own doctor. In fact, here's the language from the blue book on this: "The treating source is the preferred source for a CE if he or she is qualified, equipped, and willing to perform the examination for the authorized fee". However, this rarely happens. So rarely that, as an examiner, I can't recall it ever happening. And this is the recollection of other examiners I have spoken to as well. 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: How much does disability pay? Social Security Disability and Medicaid for Disabled Adults Can they garnish Social Security Disability? Receiving SSI as a child and later as an adult Decision on my Social Security Disability or SSI case Can I get partial disability benefits? SSD, SSI disability awards at age 50, 55 Anxiety Disorder and Filing for Disability How to file for disability in Vermont Does A Percentage of VA Disability Make You Eligible For Social Security Disability? Diverticulitis and Filing for Disability Medical Evidence on a Social Security Disability or SSI Claim What to bring to a disability interview when you apply How long will you get disability after an award notice? If Social Security sends you to a psychiatrist