SO SOCIAL SECURITY IS SENDING YOU TO THEIR DOCTOR (Consult Exam, CE)

How Do You Handle a Social Security Consultative Exam?

If you apply for Social Security disability, you may be asked to attend a medical examination.  These are called consultative exams  (CE) and are carried out by medical professionals hired by the Social Security Administration.  You will go the doctor's office for the exam, which will typically last about 30 minutes.  (This article talks about physical exams).

The doctor may have a number of questions that Social Security wants answered.  For example, a doctor may be asked to check your range of motion (joints).  In most cases, the doctor will perform a standard exam and make a report to Social Security.

Here are a few general tips regarding this examination:

• Arrive 15 minutes early.  

• Don't smoke before your exam; doctors report this and it turns them off.

• Have someone drive you and accompany you to the exam, if possible.

• Take all your prescription medication with you in original bottles.

• Be prepared to tell the doctor why you are unable to work:  this must be due to medical and/or mental reasons and you should be specific.

• Be prepared to give the examiner important facts about your medical history:  surgeries, medical providers, symptoms you have regularly.

• Know that you may be watched from the moment you arrive in the parking lot until you drive away at the end of the examination.

 Things NOT to do or say at your exam:

• exaggerate your condition or symptoms - honesty is key.

• minimize your symptoms - just tell it like it is. 

• "I could work if it wasn't for (this or that).....

• "I am doing just fine today."  (Will be taken literally)

• Press the doctor for an opinion on whether you are disabled; doctors do not make this decision and they do not approve benefits

• Talk about anything the examiner doesn't ask about:  no talking about family, hobbies, kids, pets, vacations, helping neighbors, sports, etc.

Try to be cooperative with the examiner.  You may be asked to perform certain functions as heel-to-toe walk, bend, touch your knees, perform a straight leg raise, etc.  Put forth a good effort. But if you can't perform the activity just say so.

You should not miss your exam.  Social Security is reluctant to reschedule exams.  If you must reschedule an exam ahead of time, do not call the doctor.  Call your case worker at the Disability Determination Service (DDS) who scheduled the exam for you. Only they can reschedule it.

You will not be charged for the consultative exam (CE) and the doctor you see will not provide any treatment or or referrals and will not prescribe any medications. or refills.