A CE is a physical or mental examination or test purchased from a medical source,
at the Social Security Administration's (SSA) request and expense, to provide evidence
for a claimant’s disability or blindness claim. In addition to in-person CEs, SSA
offers telehealth and video CEs in some circumstances.
a. Telehealth consultative examination (THCE)
A THCE is a CE that:
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Uses audio and video technology to allow remote interaction between a CE source and
a claimant or beneficiary;
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Requires the claimant or beneficiary to participate using a personal device at their
home or other private location; and
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Requires the claimant or beneficiary to participate using a platform selected by the
CE source.
For detailed information about THCEs, see DI 22510.013.
b. Video consultative examination (VCE)
A VCE is a CE that:
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Uses audio and video technology to allow remote interaction between a CE source and
a claimant or beneficiary;
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Requires the claimant or beneficiary to participate using equipment at a location
provided by SSA or the Disability Determination Services (DDS); and
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Requires the claimant or beneficiary and the CE source to access the connection using
a platform selected by SSA or DDS.
For detailed information on VCEs, see DI 22510.012.