Are you a licensed medical professional in the fields of psychology, medicine, audiology, speech-language pathology, vocational services, or occupational/physical therapy? Would you like to leverage your expertise to contribute to the disability determination process? If so, becoming a Consultative Examiner (CE) for Disability Determination Services (DDS) might be a rewarding opportunity for you.
The Disability Determination Services (DDS) relies on comprehensive medical evidence to make informed decisions on disability claims. While information from a claimant’s treating physician is often sufficient, in approximately 30% of cases, additional documentation is needed. This is where doctors who perform disability evaluations, known as Consultative Examiners, play a crucial role.
What is a Consultative Examination?
A Consultative Examination (CE) is a medical examination or psychological evaluation purchased by the DDS to gather further information in disability cases. These evaluations are conducted by independent medical professionals, like you, to supplement existing medical records and provide a clearer picture of an individual’s functional abilities and limitations.
Who Can Become a Consultative Examiner?
DDS is seeking qualified professionals in various disciplines to perform these essential consultative evaluations. If you hold a license in any of the following fields, you are encouraged to apply:
- Medical Doctors (MD) and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
- Licensed Psychologists
- Audiometrists
- Speech & Language Pathologists
- Vocational Specialists
- Occupational Therapists (OT) and Physical Therapists (PT) with expertise in cognitive and/or motor testing for young children.
How to Become a DDS Consultative Examiner
If you are interested in becoming a consultative examiner and contributing to the disability evaluation process, the first step is to submit a Request for Qualification (RFQ). This application allows DDS to assess your qualifications and determine if you meet the criteria to contract with their agency.
Where to Find the RFQ and Examination Requirements:
To access the RFQ and detailed information about the examination requirements for DDS CEs, please visit the DSHS Procurements website. This website serves as the central hub for all procurement-related documents and information from the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).
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Specific RFQs for Medical and Psychological Services:
For your convenience, here are direct links to specific RFQs relevant to medical and psychological services:
- Developmental or Speech-Language Pathology Services
- Medical CEs (physical or specialty exams)
- Hearing, Audiology, or Vision Services
- Psychiatric Evaluations
- Psychological Evaluations
- One-Day Vocational Workshop Evaluation (RFQ 1236-429)
Fee Schedules and Medical Criteria
Understanding the financial aspects and medical criteria is crucial for doctors considering disability evaluations. DDS provides publicly accessible resources for this information:
- Fee Schedule (PDF – February 2019 Fee Schedule example – check for updated schedules on the DSHS website)
- DDS Schedule of Maximum Allowances for Medical Services effective 1/1/2024 (PDF) – Example of a recent fee schedule.
- DDS Schedule of Maximum Allowances for Medical Evidence Requests effective 1/1/2024 (PDF) – Example for medical evidence requests.
- DDS Schedule of Maximum Allowances for Medical Services effective 4/1/2023 (PDF) – Another example of a past fee schedule.
- Disability Evaluation Under Social Security (The Blue Book) – Official medical criteria used for disability evaluations.
Electronic Records Submission with Electronic Records Express (ERE)
To streamline the process of submitting medical records, DDS utilizes the Electronic Records Express (ERE) system. This Social Security Administration (SSA) initiative offers a secure and efficient way to submit records electronically, saving time and resources for both providers and DDS.
Electronic Records Express (ERE) logo, highlighting the program for electronic record submission.
Benefits of ERE:
- Faster Disability Decisions: Electronic submission speeds up the delivery of information, contributing to quicker decisions on disability claims.
- Increased Provider Satisfaction: ERE reduces administrative burden, making record submission less laborious and more reliable.
- Improved Use of Public Funds: Digital record management is more cost-effective than traditional paper-based systems.
ERE Submission Options:
- Secure Web Site: Submit records through the SSA Electronic Services secure website using a standard web browser. Accepted file types include .wpd, .doc, .jpg, .bmp, .txt, .xls, .pdf, .tif, .tiff, and .zip. ERE Demo available for preview.
- Fax: Utilize your office fax machine or fax software with the DDDS barcoded cover sheet as the first page.
DDS Toll-Free Fax Numbers for Record Submission:
- Olympia DDS: 1-866-324-3313
- Seattle DDS: 1-866-625-3815
- Spokane DDS: 1-866-478-0546
Contact Information and Support
For further inquiries about becoming a Consultative Examiner or for support with electronic record submissions, please reach out to the DDS Professional Relations Department or the contacts listed below:
Professional Relations Department:
Disability Determination Services
P.O Box 9303 MS 45550
Olympia, WA 98507-9303
1-800-562-6074
Key Contacts:
- Medical Relations and Contracts Manager: Jennifer Elsen PH: (360) 664-7356 Fax: 1-833-656-1248 Email: [email protected]
- Consultative Examination Unit Manager: Allie Bailey PH: (509) 724-8187 Email: [email protected]
- Consultative Examination Unit Manager: Uyen Kashani PH: (360) 584-6630 Fax: 1-833-656-1248 Email: [email protected]
- Consultative Examination Unit Manager: Brianne Leon PH: (360) 584-5674 Fax: 1-833-656-1248 Email: [email protected]
- Consultative Examination Unit Manager: Teresa Bracy PH: (360) 584-6416 Fax: 1-833-656-1248 Email: [email protected]
- Consultative Examination Unit Manager: Tetyce Capshaw PH: (509) 385-2542 Fax: 1-833-656-1248 Email: [email protected]
- Consultative Examination Unit Manager: Rhodesia Mitchell PH (509) 202-5848 FAX 1-833-656-1248 Email: [email protected]
- Consultative Examination Unit Supervisor (Spokane and Federal Way Offices): Toni Damo-Agcaoili PH: (253) 681-5178 Email: [email protected]
- Consultative Examination Unit Supervisor (Olympia Office): Susie Nakamura PH: (360) 664-8031 Email: [email protected]
Billing and Payment Inquiries
For questions related to billing and payments for consultative examinations and medical records, please contact: 1-800-562-6074 ext 664-7727 or locally (Olympia) 360-664-7727. Bills can be faxed to 1-800-456-5170 (for bills only, no records).
By becoming a Consultative Examiner, you can play a vital role in the disability determination process, providing essential medical expertise to help individuals receive the benefits they need. If you are a qualified medical professional, consider applying to become a DDS Consultative Examiner today.
