7 Tips for a Social Security Consultative Exam
If you have been scheduled for a Social Security Disability consultative examination, here are seven tips. My name is Kaitlin Wildoner, and I’m an attorney who helps disabled clients obtain their disability benefits as quickly as possible so they can focus on getting better. Today, I’m going to give you seven tips for a Social Security Disability consultative examination.
1 – Attend the Appointment
Number one, attend the scheduled appointment! If you cannot attend the appointment as scheduled, let Social Security or the Disability Determination Services Office that schedule the appointment for you know, so that way they can reschedule the appointment. You don’t want to be considered non- compliant.
2 – Be on Time
Number two, be on time. These doctors only allot so much time for each exam. Be on time so that the doctor can get to everything he or she needs to during your appointment.
3 – Be Responsive and Honest
Number three, be responsive to the doctor. Don’t understate your condition, but don’t exaggerate your symptoms and conditions either.
4 – Your Appearance Does Matter
Number four, your appearance does matter. The examiner will notate how you are dressed and how you’re walking around. Similar to what I said earlier, don’t understate or exaggerate your gait, which is how you walk, or the way you dress. If you don’t usually get dressed out of sweats, because other clothes are uncomfortable, it’s okay to wear those sweats to the exam.
5 – It’s a Short Exam
Number five, remember that it’s a short exam. The consultative exam doctor is not responsible for treating you or your conditions, but they are just there to do a brief examination as requested by Social Security.
6 – Remain Calm and Choose Your Words Wisely
Number six, remain calm and choose your words wisely. The examiner will often write down your behavior and your words, so be sure you are accurately sharing information with him or her about your situation. I have seen consultative exam reports come back where the doctor puts in quotes exactly how a certain client or patient responded, so be cognizant of that. It can be helpful to think ahead of time before the appointment, what kind of physical and mental limitations you have and why you have those limitations. What’s causing the limitations that you have?
7 – Bring a Copy of Your Medical Records
Number seven, bring a copy of your medical records to the appointment. Don’t ever leave the originals, but sometimes Social Security doesn’t provide the medical records to the doctor ahead of time, so it can be helpful if you have a copy with you so the doctor can take a look at it and get a better, more fuller understanding of you and your condition.
Social Security Disability Lawyer
Thank you so much for watching. If you’re disabled and unable to work, click the scheduling link here or give me a call directly for a free consultation where we discuss your case and see what I can do to help you.
