Ann, it sounds like a mental and physical exam. If depression, anxiety or anything of that nature is in your medical records or if you're received meds that are normally used to treat things like that, they send you for a mental exam if they feel it is needed. Disability Determinations and Consult Exams are the same in every state.

Do you know what a mental exam consists of--especially since I don't have depression or excessive anxiety, except for many, many years ago. But I do have a lot of problems with brain fog sorts of issues. If I end up homeless with having bad mental health genes, who knows? At the moment I'm keeping hopeful that there will be enough evidence to get me on Social Security on the first time, although I know I will be really lucky. My current rheumy wrote a good report yesterday about me being unable to work.

SSA tells the CR drs what they need. The exams can be anywhere from 10 mins to longer. Don't be upset if the exams aren't what you think they should be. People tend to think they are going to be like a regular drs appt/exam and they
very seldom are. The criteria a dr uses when they say a patient is disabled and the criteria SSA uses isn't the same. Drs look at the type of work a patient was doing, SSA looks at jobs in the national ecenomy. There are also transferrable skills, that is where you can use some of the same skills to do other jobs, even though you may no longer be able to do your previous work. Your age and education are also factored in.Be sure and call your caseworker and verify that the medical records from yesterday have been received and are in your file.

Information We Need About Your Work And Education -
http://www.ssa.gov/disability/step4and5.htm#a1=2

Your age as a vocational factor.-
http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/404/404-1563.htm

The mental exam was fairly simple. They just ask you questions like name 5 presidents, who is the current president, a couple of simple math problems. Nothing complicated or long. I think I spent `5 minutes total with that doctor.

The physical exam consists of an eye exam (just read the chart), BP and then a short physical. They will ask to you to squat, bend over at the waist and probably poke you in a couple of places to see how you react.

They already have your medical records and have supposedly read them. The exams are supposed to be confirming that information. Be prepared to wait when you go. Take a book or something to keep you occupied. Take care.

Make that 15 minutes total with the shrink.

Thanks alot. It helps to have some idea of what to expect.

They told me to bring my glasses, which made me laugh since I couldn't get there without them. It's not as if they are optional equipment.

I am in North Carolina. I had to see a Physician of their choice for medical and a Psychiatrist. That was the final things that they required. After that I got my approval in about a month to 6 weeks.
I was never denied.
Good Luck to You,
Sandra

I was lucky and got it on the first try but had a bout of depression during the time I filed...I waited 5yrs. hoping I would get better before I filed though. I would only suggest not to under play any anxiety/depression issues. Obviously be open and honest but some people I know were concerned about being labeled as crazy and said they had no issues with these things at all....and were turned down. Not sure if they see depression as a symptom of fibro and if you never feel depressed you must not have it? I think as long as you let them know Everything you'll be fine. I do agree that one is probably a physical and the other a psyche consult. This was my experience and it was quite some time ago so I could be wrong as things change and I don't live in your state. Also not sure about their criteria, only guessing from what I do know. Hope this helps. Wishing you well with this.