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