After you submit your initial application for Social Security disability benefits for a physical impairment, the disability examiner assigned to your case may schedule you for a consultative examination, or CME. This is not a sign that your claim is in trouble. When there isn’t enough medical evidence to make a determination the Social Security Administration often requests these exams.
A CME is different from a regular doctor’s appointment in that it isn’t intended for diagnosis or treatment but to instead gather specific evidence for your claim. Usually, an independent physician contracted by Social Security performs the exam. It will be directly related to the medical issues described in your claim and may involve x-rays, blood tests, or other medical assessments. The exam is paid for by Social Security.
CMEs tend to be all business and very, very quick. In rare cases, an exam may last as long as 20 minutes, but they’re usually between 5 and 10 minutes. Many applicants are surprised not only by the brevity of CMEs, but also the demeanor of the examining physician. Many doctors contract with Social Security to bring in extra dollars while their practice is newly established or going through a rough period; therefore, the doctor may seem aloof, unfriendly, or even rude.
In addition to showing up on time for your exam (if you don’t show up Social Security will almost certainly deny your claim) focus strictly on facts, specific functional limits, and honest descriptions of your worst days.
What to Say
- Be Specific About Limits: Say things like, "I cannot sit for more than 15 minutes without sharp pain," or "I need to lie down twice a day due to dizziness."
- Describe Your Worst Days: Explain how your condition affects you when it flares up or on days when you feel the most pain and fatigue.
- Talk About Daily Tasks: Clearly state what you struggle to do while dressing, cooking, bathing, or moving around.
- Share Treatment Facts: Detail your current medications, side effects, and how previous treatments failed or brought no relief.
What NOT to Say
- "I’m fine" or "I’m okay": Do not use these polite, automatic greetings, as the doctor may write them down as a sign that you have no functional limits.
- "It doesn't hurt" (when it does): Do not hide or minimize your physical or mental discomfort out of pride.
- Exaggerations: Do not use dramatic overstatements like "I am dying," because doctors look for medical consistency and will doubt your credibility if you exaggerate.
- Avoid making vague statements: For example, saying “I don’t feel good” doesn’t tell the doctor anything useful.
- "I can work a little": Avoid casually mentioning small tasks you can sometimes do, which can imply you are capable of regular, sustained employment.
- Flat Refusals: Do not say "I can't do that" and refuse to move during a physical test; instead, try your best and explain where you must stop due to pain
Do you have a disability that prevents you from working? And are you considering applying for disability benefits or have been unjustly turned down for benefits? If so, contact us at Cuddigan Law for a free evaluation and advice on your specific case.
You are 3 times more likely to be awarded disability benefits if you have a representative such as a disability attorney who will fight for your rights than if you have no representation at all, according to a Government Accounting Office study. If you hire us we only get paid when you win your benefits.
