Consultative Examination — CE
A medical exam SSA sets up and pays for when your records aren't enough to decide your disability claim. The doctor is hired by SSA, not by you.
Official source: ssa.gov
## When SSA orders a CE
The state Disability Determination Services (DDS) office orders a Consultative Examination (CE) when:
- Your treating doctor will not send records. - Existing records are too old or incomplete. - SSA needs a specialist opinion (for example, a psychiatric evaluation or a memory test).
## What to expect
CEs are short — often 15 to 30 minutes. The doctor is paid by SSA and may have a long line of claimants that day. They are not your treating doctor and will not provide ongoing care.
## How CEs go wrong
A CE report that understates your symptoms is one of the leading causes of initial disability denials. Common problems:
- The doctor does not have your full medical history. - The exam is too short to capture the real limitations. - The report misses key symptoms you forgot to mention under pressure.
## How to prepare
- Bring a written list of your symptoms, medications, and how the condition limits daily life. - Bring a friend or family member who can witness the exam. - Be specific about pain levels, frequency of symptoms, and what you cannot do. - After the exam, write down what was tested and how long it took.
## Comparable to the VA C&P Exam
A CE is SSA's version of the VA C&P exam. Both are arranged by the agency, not the claimant, and both can make or break a claim.
Also known as
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Frequently asked questions about Consultative Examination
Do I have to attend a Consultative Examination?+
Yes. Missing a scheduled CE without good cause can lead SSA to deny your claim for failure to cooperate.
Can I bring my own doctor's records to the CE?+
Yes. Bring copies of any relevant medical records, a list of medications, and a written summary of your symptoms.
Can I challenge a CE report I think is wrong?+
Yes. Your representative can argue at reconsideration or an ALJ hearing that the CE was inadequate, and can request that the ALJ give it less weight.
Who pays for the CE?+
SSA pays. You should not be billed for the exam or for any required transportation in many cases.
Is a CE the same as a second opinion?+
No. A second opinion is sought by you for treatment. A CE is ordered by SSA to gather evidence for the disability decision.
Source: ssa.gov