When you have a Social Security consultative examination scheduled, it’s important that you prepare and know exactly what to expect. This is because, like every other step of the Social Security process, the outcome of your SSDI consultative exam can have anl impact on your application.
So, if you need help preparing for a disability exam, you should consider getting the help of a disability attorney in Oregon. Drew L. Johnson, P.C., Attorneys at Law, can help you understand what to expect during your Social Security disability doctor exam and how you can prepare beforehand.
What Is a Consultative Examination?
First, before we discuss how you can prepare for your consultative exam, what exactly is this? A Social Security consultative examination is an evaluation by a health professional for the purpose of obtaining information regarding your physical or mental condition. Usually, this exam is performed by a provider within the Social Security Administration’s network.
Keep in mind that the SSA may request a consultative examination for both SSDI and SSI claims.
Why the SSA Requests a Consultative Examination
If the SSA has required you to go through a consultative exam, you may worry that this is a bad sign for your application. However, this isn’t always the case. Most of the time, the SSA needs a consultative examination simply because the disability examiner doesn’t have enough evidence proving that you meet the definition of disability set by the SSA.
Here are some examples of scenarios that could result in you needing to attend a SSA consultative examination:
- Missing medical records
- Conflicting information
- A lack of recent treatment
- Outdated medical information
How to Prepare Before the Exam
Now that you know what a consultative exam is, how can you prepare before your exam, and what should you bring with you? First of all, when you attend your exam, you should bring a form of identification with you as well as copies of any recent medical documentation you have. Also, you should bring any assistive devices that you use on a daily basis.
To prepare beforehand so that your appointment goes smoothly, here are some things you should do:
- Understand the notice: The SSA will send you a notice if you need to attend a consultative examination, which you should carefully review. Make sure you understand when you need to attend the appointment and where it is.
- Review your records: To avoid accidentally providing inconsistent information during your appointment, you should review your SSI or SSDI application. Ideally, you should do this just before your appointment so that all of your information is fresh in your mind and you can accurately and honestly answer the doctor’s questions.
- Gather documentation: It’s also a good idea to bring additional documentation to your appointment. Examples of documentation you can bring include things like a list of your symptoms, a medication list, and your most recent medical records.
Additionally, if you are working with an SSDI attorney in Oregon, they can help you prepare for the types of questions the doctor will ask you. These are usually simple questions regarding the information you already provided in your application.
What to Expect During the Appointment
Your consultative exam appointment should typically last anywhere between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on what the doctor needs to review. Keep in mind that if you feel unwell at any time during your appointment, you can request a short break.
The general format of these types of appointments will include the following:
- A physical exam
- A mental exam
- Medical history review
- Ability to function questions
The doctor may need to include additional steps or may not need to do all of the following steps depending on your limitations and the nature of your disability.
How the Examination Affects Your Disability Claim
Although having to attend a Social Security consultative examination can feel intimidating, the entire process is relatively simple and straightforward.
The Social Security health professional will play a part in determining whether or not you qualify for SSDI or SSI. The doctor will do this by confirming if the information you have provided is correct and providing their opinion of your ability to function.
So, it is possible that the consultative examination could result in your application being approved, delayed, or even denied.
That’s why it’s so crucial that you understand what to expect during your appointment and prepare ahead of time. You should also avoid common mistakes during your appointment, such as exaggerating your symptoms, downplaying your limitations, or providing inconsistent information.
FAQ Section
Do I have to attend a consultative exam?
Yes. If you want your application approved, you will need to attend the consultative exam. Only in the rarest of circumstances will the SSA allow you to skip this appointment.
Can I bring someone with me to the appointment?
You can have someone drive you to your appointment, but they probably won’t be able to go in with you. If you want them to attend the appointment with you, you need to request this ahead of time.
Will the consultative doctor decide whether I receive benefits?
The Social Security doctor won’t make this decision purely on their own, but their findings during the exam can have an impact on whether your application is approved or denied.
Get the Help of a Disability Attorney in Oregon Today
Many people applying for disability have to attend a Social Security consultative examination, but very few understand what this is or how they should prepare. A disability lawyer can help you understand what happens at a consultative examination, how this impacts your application, and how you can get the best possible outcome.
At Drew L. Johnson, P.C., Attorneys at Law, we are committed to protecting the rights of our clients, helping them throughout the entire process, including the disability medical exam. So, if you don’t know how to prepare for your Social Security consultative examination, reach out to a Social Security disability lawyer at 541-434-6466 for a free consultation.
