TN 30 (04-24)

DI 39542.235 Conducting the Consultative Examination -- DDS

Policy

The CE will be conducted according to SSA standards and accepted medical standards and practices.

1. Providers authorized to perform CEs

CEs must be conducted by providers who know what SSA considers the elements of an adequate CE. The consultative examiner must be currently licensed with no current sanctions, and qualified to perform the CE.

2. Required background information

  1. a. 

    All CE providers should have SSA training materials, such as the:

    • Disability Evaluation Under Social Security

    • Consultative Examinations: A Guide For Health Professionals (also known as the “Green Book”)

    • Training Manuals developed by the state agency if applicable

    • Pertinent POMS sections, e.g. DI 22510.060 for Speech and Language impairment in children under age three.

  2. b. 

    Information available to the CE physician should include:

    • Claimant medical history, and

    • Current medical findings, if available.

3. Scheduling intervals for CEs

The following minimum scheduling intervals (i.e. time set aside for the individual appointment not the actual duration of the examination) should be used. Allowances should be made for the impact of missed or broken CE appointments.

  1. a. 

    Comprehensive general medical: at least 30 minutes.

  2. b. 

    Comprehensive musculoskeletal or neurological: at least 20 minutes

  3. c. 

    Comprehensive psychiatric: at least 40 minutes

  4. d. 

    Psychological examination: at least 60 minutes (additional time may be required depending on types of psychological tests administered)

  5. e. 

    All others: at least 30 minutes

4. Special conditions

a. Verification of identity

The medical provider should provide a procedure to assure the identity of the claimant using some acceptable proof of identification (DI 22510.015 and DI 22510.013D.3.)

b. Language barriers

If the claimant is not fluent in English, the DDS should arrange for an interpreter to be present and should pay for these services. Follow the guidelines regarding interpreters for claimants with limited English proficiency (LEP) in DI 23040.001.


To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0439542235
DI 39542.235 - Conducting the Consultative Examination -- DDS - 04/05/2024
Batch run: 04/05/2024
Rev:04/05/2024