Yup...my psychiatrist did the exam...I didn't have to see theirs. But if they told you to do it, I would.

I was not told that my doctor could do this. I was told by my Attorney that these tests were required, and he sugested I just take them/ I really didn't know I had an option. In the end however, I did get the coverage. If I had known of a way out I would have gone for it. They are intimidating, and I didn't like doing it. Thanks for new information for others who follow. Ginnie

I think that everyone else answered this question pretty well for you, but just so there is no confusion -

Your doctor absolutely can perform our test instead of having you go to one of our docs. If your doc is willing, he or she needs to contact your examiner and let them know, and they will handle the rest. The truth is that to be honest most doctors prefer not to do so. I hesitate to suggest this but I personally think it's because the fee we pay for an exam would not be as much as what you (or your insurance, or whatever) would pay for the same exam

A psych exam generally takes 45 mins to an hour. The doctor will ask you questions about your treatment history, personal history, and what limitations you might experience from your conditions. Later he or she will do some memory testing. If you do not know or remember something, say so. if you feel there is something the doctor needs to know that isn't covered in the line of questioning, let them know.

Don't be too worried. Bring a book or magazine for the waiting room, and remember to bring any medications you are taking so the doctor can make note. if you forget the medications, it's not the end of the world, but it's very helpful for your examiner to see what you are taking at the moment.

Hope this helps.

My letter for my psych exam, which is this Fri 10/22, says 2-3 hours. Do you think this is for more in-depth testing? I'm worried to death becuase their is no way I can work and am at the end of my rope. By the way I've been seeing my own psych doctor and SS know this and supposidly got her report.

I'd go by the time given by SS, not by what another poster on here says. It is very likely that the time varies based on how much information is needed.

I have never had one done for this reason (mine is purely a physical disability), but I have had two psych evaluations before major surgeries. The first was under an hour, and the one I had a month or so ago was almost 2 hours. A lot depends on what information they need from you and how long it takes you to answer their questions. When the guy asked me to tell him when my pain started and what I had tried up until this point (the eval was to be approved for a Spinal Cord Stimulator), it took 20 minutes just to answer that question.

Plan to be there for the longest amount of time--3 hours. If you get done sooner, great. But don't plan on 45 minutes and then freak out and worry why you are being kept there so long--time does not automatically mean it is bad.

Just try to remain calm and be honest--that's all you can do.

I am so sorry it took me so long to get back with you. You have probably already taken the test at this point.

To clarify, the general mental status exams take 45 minutes to an hour. If you were scheduled for IQ tests or some other specialized testing, then yes, those can take longer. And I am guessing that you may be in another state; I can only comment on how doctors in my state do their exams.

If the examiner has your report and is still sending you to an exam it most likely means that they need either extras information (which would make sense if you were getting a specialized test, like an IQ) which your psych doctor might not have done, or because there was some vital information missing from your doctor's notes or records.

I do hope everything went well (or will go well).