What Happens After You See a Disability Doctor?

If the Social Security Administration (SSA) has requested you undergo a consultative examination (CE) with one of their contracted medical professionals, you may be wondering what this means for your disability claim moving forward. 

With over 50 years of combined experience, the Pilzer Klein Greenville Social Security Disability lawyers know these exams can add uncertainty – but they are just one routine step in the overall process.

Knowledge may help put your mind at ease, so let’s take a look at what happens after you see a disability doctor.

The Purpose of a Consultative Exam

To help determine if a person is disabled, the SSA initiates a CE when they need supplemental information beyond what is available in existing medical records and from treating doctors’ assessments. Some common reasons include:

• Obtaining more detailed findings about your condition and functional limitations
• Gathering specialized exams or test results related to your impairment(s)
• Resolving any conflicting medical evidence or opinions in your file
• Further evaluating your capacity for substantial gainful work activity

A CE allows an independent doctor, psychologist, or other expert to provide the SSA’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) office with an additional data point as they comprehensively review your eligibility.

Managing Expectations for Your Visit With the Disability Doctor

While these exams are standard procedure, it’s important to approach them with the proper perspective. A consultative exam is not meant to single handedly prove or disprove your disability claim.

What a CE is:

• An opportunity for the SSA to collect more objective medical evidence
• One component considered along with your entire file and work history
• A routine evaluation paid for by the SSA to aid the determination process

What a CE is not:

• A final assessment that will make or break your approval for benefits
• A replacement for the well-documented opinions of your longtime treating doctors
• The main event where you need to argue or prove the extent of your disability

Your credibility, medical records, and your own doctors’ assessments following your established course of treatment carry much more weight in the determination process.

Getting the Best Possible Outcome After You See a Disability Doctor

While a consultative exam should not be stressful, there are still some proactive steps we recommend taking before and after the CE:

• Provide your examiner with a comprehensive summary of your conditions, symptoms, treatments, and functional limitations to set proper expectations
• Schedule an appointment with your treating doctor(s) around the same time to get updated, supporting medical evidence on record
• Make sure the CE findings are added to your disability file; you can request a copy of the report as well

If you disagree with or have concerns about the CE report, discuss having your own doctor provide a response and clarification.

Most importantly, ensure you have an experienced disability attorney from Pilzer Klein advocating for you throughout the entire process – not just for the consultative exam. 

Our legal team has seen countless cases and knows how to combine all the evidence into a compelling, approval-worthy claim.

A Denial Is Absolutely Not the End

Even if your initial application is denied by Disability Determination Services after a consultative exam, this is just the beginning – not a final disappointed determination. More than 60% of claims are initially denied only to be awarded benefits later during the appeals process when properly developed.

Our attorneys will:

• Highlight any critical medical evidence or credibility factors overlooked
• Help you obtain additional supporting opinions and assessments if needed
• Make your case before an Administrative Law Judge at a Social Security Disability hearing
• Pursue further levels of appeal if necessary to overturn a wrongful denial

With our focused South Carolina disability law experience, we have the experience and tenacity to keep fighting for the benefits you deserve.

Building the Strongest Possible Claim From the Start

While many cases require meticulous development after the initial consultative exam, setting up the right evidentiary foundation is also paramount. Our firm takes a proactive approach from day one by:

• Gathering comprehensive information about your work history, job duties, and earnings
• Documenting your disabling conditions, alleged onset date, symptoms, and treatments
• Evaluating your residual functional capacity for all types of work activity
• Assessing your credibility factors and ability to be a persuasive disability claimant

This upfront thoroughness allows us to develop a cohesive, persuasive case aligned with SSA’s disability criteria rather than attempting to reactively fill gaps.

Get Started With a Free Consultation

Whether you have an upcoming consultative exam or are at any other stage of your disability claim, the attorneys at Pilzer Klein are ready to be the experienced advocates in your corner. Take advantage of a free, no-obligation consultation to:

• Have your case accurately assessed through our familiarity with SSA requirements
• Receive a straightforward projection of your potential monthly disability payment amounts
• Understand the advantages of legal representation and our contingency-based fees
• Map out the ideal strategy and next steps for maximizing your claim’s approval

With over 50 years of combined disability law experience, you can be confident your rightful benefits will not slip through the cracks. Contact us today to get started with compassionate legal counsel.