The Kansas City Star recently ran an article investigating exams ordered in disability benefit claims. In the Kansas City area, these exams are often performed by Midwest CES. Our office has brought lawsuits against Midwest CES and the Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner. Still, Midwest CES (now Summit Medical Exams) is still performing these exams. 

If you were seen at Midwest CES, we would like to speak with you. We believe Midwest CES’s consultative exams (CEs) do not comply with the law and do not give disability applicants a fair shake. Review of over 200 Midwest CES reports shows that they are based on an inaccurate template with canned findings that are not customized to the applicant. These findings are used against disability applicants and have resulted in unfair denials. 

As of October 6, 2022, three federal judges in five separate cases have ordered SSA to provide claimants new hearings due to similar allegations. We have also brought legal actions against Midwest CES directly. 

Midwest CES is treated as an expert, but it does not follow SSA’s regulations. Sadly, SSA and Disability Determination Services (DDS) rely on these reports as if they are authentic. SSA and its administrative law judges cite the reports as if they are based on accurate and thorough exams. They are not. 

Midwest CES sometimes scheduled dozens of disability claimants on a Saturday. Midwest CES charges SSA about $180 per claimant. That claimant gets a 5-15 minute exam. It’s a waste of taxpayer money, and it’s damaging the claims of deserving individuals. 

Midwest CES reports are not reliable evidence to decide disabled applicant’s livelihood.

 We believe Midwest CES is violating federal law; violating standard medical practices; and violating our basic sense of decency and fairness. 

We are working to put an end to practices that are unfair and appear fraudulent. If you were seen at Midwest CES or Summit Medical Exams for a CE, we would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you.