SOCIAL SECURITY MEDICAL EXAM: MAKING THE MOST OF IT
Social Security may send you for a consultative medical exam with one of their doctors when they don't have enough medical evidence to make a decision. While these exams are often not particularly helpful to the claimant, there are some things you can do to improve the experience and help your claim.
First, arrive at the scheduled examination at least 15 minutes early. Doctors, of all people, do not appreciate late arrivals. In fact, if you arrive late they may refuse to do the exam. This puts a very, very bad taste in your SSA case worker's mouth and may have a very negative impact on your decision. The appointment may not be rescheduled. Be sure to carry your photo ID.
Second, take your medicine bottles or a list of all the medications you presently take. Don't rely on memory. Names of medicines are notoriously hard to spell and pronounce and chances are you won't remember the dosage for each one. The medicine bottle solves all of that. CAUTION: Don't take an old bottle that hasn't been refilled in 3 or 4 months if it's a medicine you're supposed to be taking every day. The doctor will note in his report that you are not taking your medications because they haven't been refilled in a long time.
Third, keep in mind that this doctor will have limited time to perform the exam, and he/she will be instructed by Social Security as to what questions to ask and how detailed the exam is going to be. Let the doctor take the lead. Answer his/her questions truthfully. Be as cooperative as possible. If the doctor asks you to perform certain postural maneuvers, such as bending, squatting, lifting your arms, etc., put forth your best effort. If the effort produces pain, tell the doctor.
Fourth, do not exaggerate your symptoms. Doctors have a kind of sixth sense about this and can spot it. If they report that you are overly animated, histronic or seem to exaggerate, this will hurt your credibility with the decision maker at Social Security. On the other hand, don't make things sound better than they are.
Avoid the temptation to convince the doctor that you are disabled. He/she will not make that decision. Under the federal regulations, the doctor CANNOT make that decision. The doctor is on a fact-finding mission: Can you get on/off the exam table without help? What is your range of motion? Do you have a positive straight leg raise test? Are you impaired in the ability to sit, stand, walk, lift, reach, kneel, etc. The doctor will determine this by his/her own observations. Avoid asking the doctor if he/she thinks you are disabled or if you qualify for a check. Doctors never appreciate this question and can't possible give you a useful answer.
Be prepared to share with the doctor some of your important and pertinent medical history (if asked). Sometimes Social Security sends your medical records to the consulting doctor and sometimes they don't. So be prepared to tell the doctor about any surgeries, recent hospitalizations or other history if asked.
Doctors are given up to 30 days to submit their findings to Social Security. Most don't take that long but some do.