If you are seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the Social Security Administration (SSA) may require a consultative medical examination. During this process, a doctor contracted by the SSA will assess your condition to provide a medical opinion, which is crucial for determining your eligibility.
If you have questions about the role of medical exams in Kansas City Social Security disability claims, an experienced SSD attorney can help.
Medical exams are called consultative examinations (CEs) in Social Security disability claims. In Kansas City, these exams help the SSA determine if an applicant’s impairments meet the criteria for Social Security disability and affect their ability to work.
The SSA may request a CE if it believes there is insufficient evidence to determine whether an applicant has a disability. CEs can be physical or psychological and may include diagnostic tests like X-rays, blood work, or MRIs—the SSA contracts with doctors, psychologists, or other medical professionals to perform consultative examinations.
The SSA covers the cost of the consultative examination and does not bill the claimant or their insurance company. A medical professional will conduct the exam and report the results to the SSA.
The purpose of the medical exam when seeking Social Security disability benefits in Kansas City is to give the SSA information to make a decision. At the CE, the examiner will likely ask about your medical history, symptoms, and how they affect your ability to work. You may be asked to undergo a physical or mental examination, and the doctor may order specific tests or procedures.
The SSA needs to determine if your condition is a medically determinable impairment, meaning it is a physical or mental condition that can be diagnosed and verified by a medical source. The SSA will assess the severity of your impairment and whether it is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.
The SSA will then consider how your condition impacts your ability to engage in “substantial gainful activity” (SGA). A lawyer can explain the purpose and procedures of a CE, clarifying what to expect during the examination and what information the examiner will be looking for.
The SSA often requests an independent perspective on your condition, which is why the role of medical exams in Kansas City Social Security disability claims is so crucial. The exam helps determine the extent to which your medical condition affects your ability to work.
SSI claims may also require a medical exam if the SSA determines that the medical evidence provided is insufficient to make a decision on your claim. A lawyer can help you anticipate the examiner’s questions and guide you on how to respond accurately and effectively. Call now to discuss your potential claim in a free, one-on-one case consultation.
(816) 781-4836