117-11        MEDICAL EVIDENCE

When a hearing involves medical issues, including those concerning a diagnosis, an examining physician's report, and decisions made by Disability Determination Services, the administrative law judge may request that a medical assessment be obtained at the agency's expense. This assessment will be from an enrolled and licensed provider other than the individual involved in making the original decision. In some cases, the administrative law judge may simply request additional information or a second exam from the client's original medical provider. The agency representative will consult the administrative law judge for specific procedures in obtaining this assessment.

When reviewing medical information for issues concerning denial of disability, the administrative law judge may only review information already reviewed by Disability Determination Services. Clients have the option of providing additional information. However, Disability Determination Services must have the opportunity to evaluate the information before the administrative law judge makes a decision on the case.