What to Expect at a Denver Consultative Exam

When trying to obtain benefits for a physical or mental disability, you should expect to take a consultative exam as a requirement for receiving such benefits. This exam is administered by the Social Security Administration and may warrant you to present your medical information. Given the lack of clarity of what to expect at a Denver consultative exam, continue reading below or contact an attorney to learn more.

Presenting Medical Records

Claimants should expect to have a discussion with the consultative examiner regarding the treatment they have received from the date of onset of the disability up to the present date and whether this medical history is complete in details regarding their treatment during the course of the medical history.

If the SSA has not been able to obtain any medical record because there is no medical history existing, the doctor would try to proceed to make their own diagnosis much like a doctor would make a diagnosis of a patient who is entering the doctor’s office for the first time without any background medical records.

Subjective Disability Reports

A subjective report is the personal opinions, assumptions, and beliefs of the claimant and interpretations of the claimant regarding their disability. An objective determination is usually involved with measurable data. An objective report usually consists of the opinion of a doctor with the help of diagnostic equipment such as an MRI machine or x-ray machine.

When discussing what to expect at a Denver consultative exam, the medical professional administering the exam may have a discussion with the consultative examiner regarding the treatment they have received from the date of onset of the disability up to the present date and whether this medical history is complete in details regarding their treatment during the course of the medical history.

Undergoing a Physical Examination

In a physical examination, the doctor may perform a series of tests on the claimant depending on their specific disability. Common physical tests may include a reflex test where the doctor hits a claimant’s knee with a hammer. In a similar fashion, a doctor could perform numerous tests on any part of the human body to assist them in determining what condition the claimant might have and what diagnosis the doctor might arrive at.

Reviewing History of Medical Treatment

A consultative examiner may review what attempts have been made in the past to help a claimant overcome their particular disability. By way of example, if the claimant has a severe diagnosis of diabetes, and the medical record demonstrates that the doctor has offered medications to stem the effects of diabetes, and the medical record shows that the claimant has been non-compliant with that treatment, that could negatively affect a claimant’s determination of disability. For more information about consultative exams and how they could impact an individual’s chance of recovering benefits, contact a skilled lawyer.

Importance of Retaining the Services of an Attorney

Not everyone is aware of what to expect at a Denver consultative exam. Unfortunately, this could prove to have a detrimental effect on a person’s chances of obtaining SSDI benefits. If you find yourself lacking information about a consultative exam, be sure to get in touch with a dedicated attorney. A lawyer could meet with you to discuss the content of this exam and help you gather any information to be presented at this exam.