You may assume that once you submit your application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, the rest is out of your hands. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may come back and ask that you take an additional step. More specifically, it may require you to attend a consultative examination. Continue reading to learn how to prepare for your consultative examination and how an experienced New Jersey SSDI attorney at The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur can help you in doing so.
Why might I be called to attend a consultative exam?
First of all, a consultative exam is an additional medical exam conducted by a physician contracted by the SSA. This may be a physical, psychiatric, or psychological examination, depending on the type of disability you claim; and it may involve X-ray scans, blood tests, etc. Essentially, the SSA may summon you to attend a consultative exam if it does not believe to have enough information to accurately determine your eligibility for SSDI benefits. More specific reasonings are as follows:
- The SSA may believe that you did not provide enough evidence of your medical reports in your initial SSDI benefits application.
- The SSA may believe that you have not visited a physician on a date reasonably close to the date on which you submitted your application.
- The SSA may believe that there is confusing, contradictory information within your initial medical reports.
- The SSA may believe that there is a reason to not believe your initial treating physician.
In what ways can I prepare for my consultative examination for SSDI benefits?
You must attend and participate in the consultative exam that you have been called to; otherwise, your SSDI benefits application is likely to be denied. And to ensure that this exam boosts your application, you must properly prepare for it. That said, it may be in your best interest to follow the below pieces of guidance:
- Be prepared to answer questions about your medical history and how it has limited your ability to work.
- Be prepared to bring an unbiased, trusted interpreter to help you answer any questions that arise.
- Be prepared to bring copies of your X-ray scans, blood tests, or any other objective test results you have recently received.
- Be prepared to share information on which prescriptions you are currently taking, which treatment plans you are currently on, etc.
- Refrain from bringing new medical documentation for the physician to review; rather, prepare to formally submit it to the SSA to supplement your existing SSDI benefits application.
You must not take any chances when it comes to your SSDI benefits application. So please retain the services of a skilled New Jersey SSDI attorney from The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur as soon as you can.
