Consultative Examination

In many cases, a consultative examination (CE) may be required to determine if an individual is deemed disabled under the SSA rules. These occur when the Social Security Administration (SSA) determines that the medical evidence available to them is inadequate to establish whether or not someone disabled.

These exams are not conducted by doctors who work for SSA, but by independent physicians who contract with SSA to perform these examinations. There are a number of factors which may lead SSA to refer someone for an exam. For instance, SSA may feel that there are conflicts or inconsistencies which could not be resolved by going back to the previous physician, or prior experience indicates they may have difficulty getting records from a treatment source.

There are a number of items the report must include. While each item is important, there are several which directly impact the claimant and their application. First, the report must provide evidence which can serve as a basis for the assessment of any potential disability. It must also be consistent with the claimant’s medical history and address any abnormalities.

You can read more about the report’s content requirements here.

Back to glossary

Need help?

At Advocator Advantage, a Brown & Brown Company, we are committed to helping individuals navigate the complexities of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, and the Ticket to Work program.

Have questions?

At Advocator Advantage, we understand that navigating SSDI, Medicare, and the Ticket to Work program can be complex and overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to address any questions or concerns you may have along your journey.