I have to go to a consultative exam for social security. What happens and what is it for?

Social Security can request that you have a consultative examination for several reasons; they need more information to determine your disability, to obtain more detailed medical findings about your impairment(s); to obtain technical or specialized medical information;  to resolve conflicts or differences in medical findings in the evidence already in file; or to resolve the issue of your ability to do substantial gainful activity.  

Usually Social Security will send you to your medical provider to request further information because information from your treating physician carries more weight.  

In cases where that is not possible or if you do not have a treating physician they will send you to the nearest medical profession that is appropriate.  The cost of the consultative examination is paid for by Social Security.  Failure to attend the consultative examination can be detrimental to your claim.

You should consider contacting an attorney who specializes in social security disability law and has experience in handling Social Security cases.  He or she could give you more information about the consultative examination when filing for Social Security Disability.