Anxiety and Panic before a Social Security Disability Medical ExamAs a disability examiner, I scheduled consultative medical examinations for Social Security Disability and SSI claimants all the time. Practically on a daily basis. However, in my capacity as an examiner, I never really considered whether or not claimants became nervous or anxious before going to one. Recently, I read a statement by an individual who said he'd gotten an appointment letter for a CE (consultative medical exam) and that, ever since, he's felt anxiety and panic over the prospect of going to such an exam. Anxiety. It's all understandable and not surprising. After all, every claimant who goes off to one of these exams knows, from their perspective, that what happens at the exam is very important to their case. Considering how desperate a person can feel when they're waiting to see if their disability case will be approved or denied, even sheer panic is a normal reaction. For anyone reading this page who A) is scheduled for a physical or mental consultative exam, B) has already gone to an exam, or C) is finds themselves applying for disability and is giving the subject some thought---- Don't worry. Seriously, you don't need to worry about a CE. Why? Here's why. 1. Consultative exams are just one aspect of the disability determination process, and, honestly, a fairly small one at that. 2. Medical records from your medical treatment sources, particularly your treating physician (including the doctor's notes and any statements he or she submits on your behalf to the disability examiner, the disability judge, or your attorney) are much more important. 3. The consultative exam that you go to for a Social Security Disability or SSI case is seldom the "deal maker or breaker". That is, cases are rarely decided based on the results of a CE. If that's the case, then, why does social security schedule these medical exams? Sometimes, they are scheduled if you allege a condition on your application for disability but have never been treated for that condition (depression is a good example). In other instances, a CE will be requested when you haven't been to a doctor in as long as 2 months. And sometimes a CE is scheduled when you have a condition but haven't been subjected to certain types of testing that would be helpful to the adjudicator. Examples include xrays, breathing tests (known as Pulmonary function tests or spirometry), cardiac stress tests, memory scales, and psychological testing. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: Appealing A Social Security Disability decision Why is the Social Security Disability Decision Process So Slow? Can you get a Social Security Disability decision in under a month? Getting approved for disability based on being blind Anxiety about a Social Security Disability medical exam Can you get disability for OCD? Can you get disability for Chronic fatigue and Fibromyalgia? Is Chronic Fatigue considered a disability by Social Security? Is an FCE the same thing as the RFC evaluation done by Social Security Disability? How is memory loss considered by Social Security Disability? Is Morbid Obesity Considered A Disability? SSDI Request for Reconsideration Social Security Disability Back Payment Lump Sum Appealing a Social Security Disability Claim decision SSI Reconsideration vs SSDI Disability Reconsideration These pages provide answers to basic questions about pursuing disability benefits Who is eligible for SSI disability? How to get disability in Florida |
