FAQs On Consultative Examinations

    Social Security sends a lot of disability claimants out for medical or psychological exams at the agency's expense. Here's some FAQs on these exams:

What's a "CE"?

It's an abbreviation for Consultative Examination. It's what they call the exams that Social Security sends you to.

Do I have to go?

Probably. They can turn you down for refusal to cooperate if you don't.

Is it a bad sign if they don't schedule a CE? Or is it a bad sign if they do?

It's neither, really.

Why do they schedule CEs?

In theory, they're doing it because they feel they don't have enough evidence. Sometimes, that's really the case. Sometimes, it seems to be overwhelmed employees scheduling CEs to put your case off for a bit because they are too busy to work to your case. Sometimes, CE scheduling just seems random.

Do the CEs hurt claimants?

Sometimes they hurt. Sometimes they help. Mostly it's neither. You wonder why they wasted the money and time on the CE.

How good are the consultative exams?

Not so great. Nobody goes to medical school to do the CEs especially when you're not paid much to do the exam, which is usually the case. You're not getting the cream of the crop doing CEs. They're mostly going through the motions.

The CE is scheduled at the same time that I'm scheduled with my own doctor. What do I do?

Call Social Security as soon as possible and ask that they reschedule it

My CE was done in a chiropractor's office. Why?

Sometimes doctors moonlight from their regular jobs to do CEs on Saturdays. They just rent some space from a chiropractor.

How do I make a complaint about a CE?

Look at the written notice you received about the CE. It should have a phone number and address on it. That's who you contact to complain. They actually pay more attention to those complaints than you might think.

What kind of mistakes do people make when they go to CEs?

The biggest mistake is fakery. Don't do it. It can really hurt you. If you're asked to do something during the exam, do it to the best of your ability. You can say it hurts but do what you can. Also, don't go in with an angry attitude. That's not a good way to influence the doctor in your favor. Another mistake: Showing up intoxicated for the CE. They're going to notice. Yes, a few people really do show up drunk for CEs.

 

If you're in NC and want help with your Social Security disability claim, call Hall & Rouse, P.C. at 1-866-425-5347