The DDS might ask you to have a consultative examination (CE exam).
When you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your claim is sent to a state agency called Disability Determination Services (DDS). In some cases, the DDS might ask you to have a ConsultativeExamination (CE exam). These exams are done at the request of the DDS examiner and are performed by an independent medical doctor who has been contracted by the Social Security Administrations (SSA) and DDS to perform these exams.
The reason why CE exams are needed is usually because the examiner feels that the medical records that your treatment sources provided are not recent enough, or it might be that the medical records do not address all the symptoms listed on your SSDI or SSI application.
The physicians who perform these exams are not employees of the Social Security Administration or Disability Determination Services. The role of these doctors is not to provide medical treatment. These doctors are asked to provide an updated record of a claimant’s medical condition, especially if it looks like the claimant has not been to a doctor recently. Sometimes a claimant may simply be sent for a radiological exam (like an x-ray).
The doctors that are contracted to perform these exams are used to examining Social Security Disability and SSI applicants. The doctor is usually provided with your past medical records but may not take the time to read over your medical history. The exams are usually very short.
If you are asked to see the “Social Security doctors”, don’t stress out about it. This is just part of processing your claim. Make sure you make it to your appointment; not going to a social security medical exam can result in a case denial for failure to cooperate.
Medical records are the best evidence of your disability. It is important for you to make sure that you tell your doctors all of the symptoms that you have, and how the symptoms prevent you from doing certain tasks. If your doctor provides good detailed medical records, it is less likely that you will be sent to a CE exam by the DDS. And, more importantly, good, detailed medical records will be the key to winning your disability claim.
It’s important to remember that the DDS examiner, who is making the determination of your disability, has never met you face to face. The only information that the examiner has to help him/her make a decision is your application and your medical records.
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Applying for Social Security Disability can be stressful and take a long time. If you get denied benefits, don’t give up. For experienced legal representation and an aggressive pursuit of your SSDI or SSI claims, contact Jorgensen Law with offices in San Diego, Los Angeles or Riverside, California. For assistance, schedule a free consultation at our office by calling (866) 587.9176.
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