At a consultative exam, expect a doctor to review your medical records, ask you questions about your symptoms and limitations, and evaluate your physical and mental well–being.
After your exam is complete, your doctor will send the results to the Social Security Administration (SSA), which will use this and other evidence to decide on your claim.
Speak with Social Security Disability lawyers if you’re not sure about what to expect at a consultative exam. Your lawyer will answer your questions about this exam. If, for any reason, you complete your exam but the SSA denies your claim, your lawyer can appeal on your behalf.
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What to Expect During a Consultative Exam
In terms of what to expect at the time of your consultative exam, your doctor will likely need about an hour to perform their evaluation. Your doctor may ask you about your symptoms, your treatments, and your medications. This gives a glimpse into how your medical condition is affecting you physically, cognitively, and psychologically.
During your exam, your doctor will perform various tests. If you’re dealing with a physical impairment, your doctor may check your strength, reflexes, and range of motion, watch you do things like sitting and walking, and order X-rays or blood work. Alternatively, if you’re coping with a mental impairment, your doctor may request a psychological assessment or cognitive testing.
If possible, meet with Social Security Disability attorneys before your consultative exam. Your lawyer wants you to learn about disabling conditions and their short- and long-term effects. Then, you’ll be well-equipped to talk with your doctor about your medical condition and increase your chances of getting the SSA to approve your benefits request.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 562-9830
What to Expect After a Consultative Exam
Typically, your doctor will write a report detailing your consultative exam results. If you applied for Social Security Disability benefits from the SSA, your doctor will send this report to the administration. Next, the SSA will review these results in conjunction with your medical records and other evidence to determine whether to approve your claim for disability benefits.
The doctor who conducts your consultative exam has no say in how the SSA treats your claim. Ultimately, they are responsible for performing an independent assessment of your medical condition and sharing the results with the SSA. From here, the SSA will consider the exam results and other information and let you know if you will receive disability benefits.
Unfortunately, even if you go through a consultative exam, the Social Security Administration can still deny your SSD benefits claim.
Consult with a lawyer who has relevant SSD claims experience if this happens. Your attorney can explain the appeals process and the documentation that can help you win your Social Security Disability appeal.
Tips to Help You with an SSA-Ordered Consultative Exam
Your Social Security Disability attorney will offer guidance and support with your SSA-ordered consultative exam. They can address common myths about Social Security Disability benefits and other topics relating to the specifics of your situation. Plus, your lawyer may advise you to do the following things before, during, and after your exam:
Prepare Your Medical History Beforehand
Create a timeline for your medical condition, including when you first noticed your symptoms and any treatments you’ve received.
Write down any medications you’ve taken or are taking for your condition, as you should expect your doctor to ask about these during your consultative exam.
Take Notes During Your Exam
Write down the name of the doctor handling your consultative exam, how long this assessment takes, and any tests that are completed. Also, note any comments that your doctor makes regarding your medical condition.
Follow Up with Your Treating Physician After Your Exam
Make sure that your treating physician provides you with all of the medical records you need to support your SSD benefits claim. The Social Security Administration will look at these records and your consultative exam results relative to your benefits request.
In addition to these things, notify the SSA immediately if you have to miss your consultative exam due to a family emergency or for another reason. Otherwise, if you don’t show up for your exam, the SSA could find that you are uncooperative or don’t have enough evidence for your claim, leading to a denial.
Social Security Disability Attorneys Can Give You Insights into What to Expect When You Attend a Consultative Exam
What you do before, during, and after your consultative exam has far-reaching effects. Those who know what this exam entails can plan accordingly. If your consultative exam is successful, the results will illustrate to the Social Security Administration that your disability benefits claim is valid, resulting in an approval.
The team at Marc Whitehead & Associates is familiar with the challenges that you will face with your consultative exam. We have earned over 1,500 five–star reviews.
Our disability lawyers can teach you about consultative exams and help you feel calm, cool, and collected when you undergo one. For more information, request a consultation with us.
