Social Security Disability Benefits and the Consultative Examination

What Social Security Doctor’s Look for During the Consultative Exam

Social Security Disability (SSD) is a program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. In order to receive SSD benefits, you must first be approved for disability by the Social Security Administration (SSA). One step in the process of getting approved for disability is attending a consultative examination with a doctor. In this blog post, we will discuss what Social Security Disability Doctors look for during the consultative examination.

The consultative examination is an appointment scheduled by the SSA to evaluate your medical condition and to provide additional medical evidence to support your disability claim. This examination is conducted by a doctor who is contracted by the SSA to perform the examination. The doctor will examine you and review your medical records to determine the extent of your disability.

During the consultative examination, the doctor will look for several things.

First: The doctor will assess your medical history. This includes reviewing your medical records and asking questions about your symptoms, diagnosis and treatment history. The doctor will also ask about your daily activities and how your disability affects your ability to perform them.

Second: The doctor will perform a physical examination. They will evaluate your physical abilities, such as your ability to walk, stand, sit, reach and lift. The doctor will also assess your range of motion, reflexes, strength and coordination. The physical examination may also include other tests such as x-rays, blood tests or other diagnostic tests.

Third: The doctor will assess your mental health. The doctor will ask about your mood, behavior and ability to concentrate. The doctor will also assess your memory, judgment, and insight. The doctor may also perform psychological tests to evaluate your mental health.

Fourth: The doctor will evaluate your functional capacity. This refers to your ability to perform work-related activities. The doctor will assess your ability to perform tasks such as sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying and reaching. The doctor will also assess your ability to concentrate, follow instructions and interact with others.

Fifth: The doctor will provide a report to the SSA detailing their findings from the consultative examination. The report will include information on the doctor’s assessment of your medical history, physical examination, mental health and functional capacity. This report will be used by the SSA to make a decision on your disability claim.

The consultative examination is an important step in the process of getting approved for Social Security Disability benefits. It is important to be honest and thorough during the examination to ensure that the doctor has all the information they need to make an accurate assessment of your disability. 

By understanding what Social Security Disability Doctors look for during the consultative examination, you can be better prepared for the process of applying for disability benefits.

Getting Help with Disability Benefits

If you have questions about the disability process or are in need of representation, contact the Social Security Disability Attorneys at Berger and Green. We can provide you with a free case evaluation and help you get the benefits you deserve.