Are you currently applying for Social Security Disability benefits, or was your application recently denied by the Social Security Administration (SSA)? On your journey to receiving benefits, you may be required to complete a Consultative Examination (CE) with an SSA-approved physician.
The consultative exam can be nerve-wracking, and knowing what not to tell a disability doctor could make a big difference in your claim. Furthermore, you can help your case by not lying, exaggerating statements about your condition, or sharing your personal opinions with the physician during your exam.
We highly recommended that you go to your disability exam prepared. Continue reading to find out more about what you should never say to a doctor during a CE.
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Simple Advice For Your Consultative Exam
When you attend your CE, it’s important to keep calm and choose your words carefully. During the exam, disability doctors take notes on what you say and do. These notes will be passed on to your disability examiner.
When the doctor asks you how you are doing or how much something hurts related to your condition, it’s important to be honest. It is in human nature to automatically respond, I’m good, I’m well, or just fine. However, you are going through a difficult time, so you do not want to reply with the usual “I’m doing good” answer.
It’s okay to tell the CE that you are not fine, that you are in pain, or that you are not doing well. If you tell a doctor you are good, they might think your disability is not that serious. So, be honest, and if you are in pain or not feeling well, tell them that from the beginning.
Another thing to be mindful of is your responses when the doctor is examining you. For example, the doctor might assess how much pain you feel in your fractured back or injured leg. Do not tell the doctor “it doesn’t really hurt” or “it doesn’t hurt as much as it used to.” This is not the time to appear tough.
If you are claiming that your injury or medical condition is so painful that it prevents you from working, you must express that it hurts or how uncomfortable it feels. Do not say things that downplay your symptoms or physical limitations.
It is a huge mistake to tell your doctor you’re doing fine or that your pain is not that severe. If you say things that make them believe you are doing well or your condition is not as painful as you are claiming, it will contradict your disability claim and could affect your ability to receive disability benefits.
If your disability application has been denied, don’t give up. Contact Disability Apply today!
Avoid Exaggerating Your Condition During a CE Exam
Regardless of why you were scheduled for a CE with a disability doctor, it is important to know that the doctor is not there to treat you or give you any medical advice. So, tell the truth and answer the doctor’s questions without overstating your symptoms.
For example, if you are being examined for a medical condition, you should not tell a doctor you have pain everywhere, or your level of pain is 10 out of 10 for everything if your daily activities are not consistent with this level of pain.
Or, if your mental health is being examined, do not exaggerate your answers or put little effort into answering any questions. If you have pain or difficulty performing any task the doctor asks you to do, do not be afraid to let them know, but do not try to make your condition look worse than it really is.
Overstating your symptoms or telling exaggerated statements could make a disability doctor believe you are faking and affect your credibility. And, they can report this as suspicious behavior.
Why You Should Not Share Any Personal Opinions
A typical CE exam is quick and to the point, so it is important to stay focused on the review of your condition. Limit yourself to only talk about your condition and not opinions.
Do not tell a disability doctor you think you are dying, that you think the examination is unnecessary, that you do not trust doctors, or that you believe your current medical treatment is not good.
Some or all of these opinions may be true, but as mentioned, this is not the time to complain or opine about the validity of the exam. The doctor is not there to diagnose you or treat you, so do not say things that will make them question you or make you appear untrustworthy.
How Can Disability Apply Help You Get Benefits
If the SSA requests that you take a consultative exam, remember that the physician and support staff will observe you and take notes on everything during your exam. So, knowing what not to tell a disability doctor is very important. It is important to be straightforward, specific, and honest throughout the examination.
The assistance of a professional representative could make the difference between success and failure. We encourage you to contact Disability Apply today to find out more about how we can help you on your journey to receive disability benefits. You will never pay any up-front or out-of-pocket fees for our services.
If you are seeking disability benefits, plan to seek disability benefits, or if your disability application has been denied in the past, contact Disability Apply to schedule a free case evaluation. Contact us today to get started or fill out our online form to get started today!