What Does a Disability Doctor Look for?

If the Social Security Administration (SSA) has requested that you undergo a consultative examination (CE) as part of your disability application process, you may be wondering – what does a disability doctor look for?

A CE can cause worry about being assessed by someone who doesn’t have a longstanding understanding of your conditions. However, this medical evaluation is meant to supplement the evidence already in your file, not serve as the be-all and end-all determination of your disability case.

The South Carolina Social Security Disability Lawyers of Pilzer Klein have been helping people unlock their benefits for over thirty years. Let us help by providing some clarity, examining what the CE doctor will focus on, and recommending how you can be best prepared.

The Purpose of a Consultative Examination

The SSA initiates these special CEs when they need more information beyond what your treating doctors have already provided through your medical records, test results, and assessments. Some common reasons include:

• Obtaining more specialized or technical findings about your condition(s)
• Resolving any conflicting medical opinions or evidence in your file
• Further evaluating the extent of your functionality and work limitations
• Gathering additional documentation if your current medical evidence is insufficient

The examination is just one small part of the process for helping determine what makes a person disabled. The CE doctor contracted by the SSA is simply meant to serve as an additional, objective medical source to aid the Disability Determination Services (DDS) team as they comprehensively review your eligibility.

Key Things the Disability Doctor Looks for

While no two consultative exams are exactly alike based on the unique disability claim, there are some core areas the CE doctor will zero in on during your evaluation:

Your Self-Reported Symptoms and Medical History

The doctor will ask detailed questions about your disabling conditions when they first manifested, your diagnosis process, fluctuations in symptoms, and your typical day-to-day experience with pain, fatigue, mobility issues, or other impairments. They will also inquire about your medical treatments to date and any medications or assistive devices you require.

Your Physical Capacities and Limitations

Depending on the nature of your disability, the CE may involve a physical examination, during which the doctor tests your strength, range of motion, reflexes, and other functional abilities. They will likely have you demonstrate routine activities like walking, standing, sitting, lifting objects, or gripping items to determine your residual capacities.

Your Mental Status and Cognitive Function

For claims involving mental impairments, the disability doctor may administer a psychological CE to analyze your concentration, memory, thought processes, social interactions, and emotional tendencies through questionnaires and observed behavior. This evaluation aims to pinpoint your limitations.

Your Quality of Evidence and Credibility

Throughout the exam, the doctor will essentially be assessing how credible and consistent you are in describing the extent of your disabilities. They’ll be looking for your reported symptoms and limitations to align with their clinical findings, your medical records, and any behavioral observations.

What the Doctor Looks for in General

While the specific examination protocols vary, the objective of the CE doctor is simply to provide the SSA with an impartial snapshot of your current condition and functional capacity through a thorough clinical lens. Their role is not to be an advocate for or against your claim but rather to contribute to another objective data point.

Some general things the doctor will focus on include:

• Detailed notes of all your alleged symptoms and impairments
• Assessments of your physical and mental abilities through clinical tests
• Your credibility in providing information consistent with their exam findings
• How your condition(s) impact your capacity to perform work-related activities
• Any supporting medical evidence that aligns with your reported disabilities

The CE doctor will compile all of their evaluation findings into a comprehensive report outlining their professional medical opinion and send it off to the DDS office handling your claim.

Be Upfront, Consistent, but Don’t Exaggerate

Since the disability doctor only has this one-time evaluation to form their opinion about the extent of your disabilities, it’s important to be completely upfront, honest, and consistent in the information you provide. Don’t hold anything back, but also:

• Don’t exaggerate your symptoms or limitations beyond their typical severity
• Be able to articulate the specific impact of your conditions on daily activities
• Have a firm grasp of your diagnosis details, treatments, medications, etc.
• Describe good days and bad days, not just your worst circumstance
• Bring along any assistive devices or medical evidence that supports your claims

Contact a Social Security Disability Law Firm for a Free Consultation

Don Pilzer and Kevin Klein at Pilzer Klein have extensive experience working with CE reports. We know how to gather additional supporting evidence or expert testimony to counter any oversights or inaccuracies. We can advocate for your rightful benefits through all levels of SSA appeals.

While no one wants additional roadblocks in their disability case, try not to become overly worried about an upcoming CE. 

With the proper preparation and mindset, you can approach this evaluation like any other routine step. Our team will ensure the disability doctor ultimately has all the necessary details to make a fair, fully informed assessment. Contact us today to learn how we can help in a free consultation.