SC Disability Determination Services
Consultative Examination Provider
Psychiatric / Psychological
The South Carolina Disability Determination Service (DDS) purchases Consultative Examinations from community psychiatrists and psychologists when additional information is needed in order to adjudicate disability claims. To become a provider of Consultative Examinations, a brief application and a site visit by a Medical Relations Officer are required. All providers must possess a doctorate in psychology or a medical degree and be licensed in the state of SC. All providers must have appropriate training and experience to provide the type of examination or test required by the DDS.
The SC DDS purchases three basic types of mental exams:
- Psychiatric Exams (mental status evaluations conducted by a psychiatrist)
- Mental Status Exams (mental status evaluations conducted by a psychologist)
- Psychological Exams which are conducted by psychologists and include psychological (intellectual and achievement) testing
Additional tests may be requested and neuropsychological exams are purchased on occasion. All exams require a report that includes features such as review of relevant history, mental status exam, DSM-IV diagnosis and an assessment of functional abilities as they pertain to the ability to work.
The SC DDS uses a fully electronic system and can send and receive documents to providers electronically or via conventional mail. The DDS also offers a teledictation service which greatly reduces the amount of time required in report preparation. Evaluations are conducted in the provider’s office. The evaluation is conducted at no charge to the claimant, and providers submit requests for payment directly to the DDS. The DDS has offices in Columbia, Greenville and Charleston; however, Consultative Examinations are needed in all areas of the state.
For more information about becoming a provider, contact:
Diane Hare, State Medical Relations Coordinator
803-896-6799
Allison Toy, Medical Relations Officer in the Columbia office
803-896-6708
Christee Hunt, Medical Relations Officer in the Charleston office
843-953-0335
Natasha Cummings, Medical Relations Officer in the Greenville office
864-282-4056
Current Fee Schedule
| Psychiatric Exam | $163.15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Mental Status Exam | $100.00 | |
| Psychological Exam with Testing | $258.90 | |
| Speech Language | $174.51 |