This subchapter discusses the SSA Disability Determination Services (DDS) responsibilities
for managing and monitoring the consultative examination (CE) process. CEs are purchased
when medical evidence of record (MER) does not exist or does not meet the documentation
requirements in the “Listing of Impairments.” The following subjects are discussed
in this subchapter:
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Sources and types of purchased medical services
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Claimant evaluation and complaints of CE providers
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CE reports and release of CE reports to claimants by CE providers
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DDS onsite reviews of CE providers
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DDS annual CE oversight reporting