< Back to California Disability

Mandatory EDD independent medical exam (DE2546) - will payments continue during evaluation?

Just opened my mail to find a DE2546 form saying I need to see an EDD independent medical examiner. I'm totally confused since my regular doctor (who is EDD-certified) already put me on disability for my back injury from a work accident in January. My claim was approved and I've been receiving payments since February. Now suddenly they want this independent exam?? The appointment is scheduled for next Friday, but the form doesn't say anything about what happens to my benefits during this process. Will my payments continue while I'm waiting for this exam and their decision? Has anyone dealt with this before? I'm really worried they're going to cut me off and I can't afford to miss even one payment with my rent due soon.

Same thing happend to me last year. Don't worry to much, they do this randomly to check people aren't scamming the system. I still got paid during the waiting period but the examiner was super rude when I met him.

0 coins

That's somewhat reassuring. Did they continue payments after the exam too? Or was there a gap while they made their determination?

0 coins

NeonNova

•

Yes, your payments should continue while the examination is being scheduled and conducted. The DE2546 (Independent Medical Examination Notice) is part of EDD's standard review process. They periodically select claims for verification, especially those that might extend beyond the initial estimated recovery period. The exam doesn't mean they suspect fraud - it's just their way of confirming your doctor's assessment. Make sure to: 1. Attend the appointment as scheduled 2. Bring copies of your medical records if you have them 3. Be honest about your symptoms and limitations 4. Ask the examiner for a timeline on when they'll submit their report Payments typically continue until a final determination is made, unless they find evidence that contradicts your disability claim.

0 coins

Thank you for the detailed explanation. That helps a lot with my anxiety about this. I'll definitely bring my medical records and x-rays to the appointment.

0 coins

I got one of those too! My payments stopped for 3 weeks after the exam because the EDD doctor said I could work. Had to appeal and everything. Make sure you don't say anything that makes it sound like youre getting better if you're not!!!

0 coins

Oh no, that's exactly what I'm afraid of! Did you eventually get back pay for those 3 weeks? How long did your appeal take?

0 coins

I've dealt with this many times with my clients. The DE2546 exam is standard procedure, especially for claims that might extend beyond the initially estimated recovery time. Your benefits should continue during this period. However, if you're having trouble reaching EDD to confirm this, I'd recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com) - it got me through to an actual EDD representative in under 25 minutes when I needed to resolve a similar issue for a client. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd Most importantly, be prepared for your exam. Bring all medical documentation, be consistent with your symptom reporting, and don't exaggerate or minimize your condition. The independent examiner will be looking for consistency with your doctor's assessment.

0 coins

Thanks for the tip about Claimyr - I've been trying to call EDD for two days with no luck. I'll check out that service. And I appreciate the advice about the exam preparation!

0 coins

THEY DO THIS ALL THE TIME!! The EDD is always looking for ways to cut people off benefits. I had THREE of these exams during my 8-month disability period. Each time I was terrified they'd stop my payments but they kept coming. Just be careful about what you say to the examiner - they twist your words and look for ANY reason to deny you. Don't let them see you walking normally in the parking lot either - I heard they sometimes watch you before you come in!!!

0 coins

Ava Thompson

•

omg that's creepy if they watch you in the parking lot! never thought about that

0 coins

Miguel Ramos

•

Just wondering - what type of disability are you on? I'm on pregnancy disability and never got one of these exams. Maybe they only do it for certain conditions?

0 coins

I'm on disability for a herniated disc and nerve damage from a workplace injury. Maybe they're more likely to request these exams for conditions that have variable recovery times? Pregnancy obviously has a more defined timeline.

0 coins

hey just checking in - did u have ur exam yet? how did it go?

0 coins

Had it yesterday! The doctor was actually pretty thorough and professional. Asked a lot of questions about my pain levels and did some mobility tests. Said he'd submit his report within 48 hours, so now I'm just waiting. Still received my payment this week, so that's a relief!

0 coins

TaxRefund AI

Expert Assistant
Secure

Powered by Claimyr AI

T
I
+
7,226 users helped today