From KSHB:
When additional medical evidence is needed to approve a disability
benefits application with the Social Security Administration, the agency
requires applicants to get a consultative exam with a doctor.
In the Kansas City region, Midwest CES is one of several contractors working with the government to provide the exams.
Shiron
Norah visited one of Midwest CES’s locations in 2018 during her
application process. The lifelong Kansas Citian says she can no longer
work because of a series of ailments, including carpel tunnel in both
wrists, hip surgery, pain in her neck and back, constant migraines and
arthritis.
Norah said the doctor at Midwest CES spent less than 10 minutes with her
and did not ask her a single question. The doctor’s report cited
Norah’s ability to “use her fingers and hands to button and unbutton a
shirt,” but Norah says she was not wearing a shirt with buttons during
her exam. ...
Kyle Sciolaro, an attorney at BurnettDriskill,
says he’s found roughly 250 other people in Norah’s shoes. They visited
Midwest CES for a consultative exam and subsequent reports had similar
language about buttoning their clothing or turning doorknobs - even
though the exam rooms at Midwest CES’ North Kansas City office doesn’t
have doorknobs.
In a series of civil lawsuits against the Social Security
Administration, Midwest CES and doctors conducting exams, Sciolaro and
his team allege fraud. ...
A lawsuit under the False Claims Act allows BurnettDriskill to file a
case on behalf of the United States and its taxpayers. It alleges the
Midwest CES knowingly submitted false information for payment. ...
President of Midwest CES Jake Johnsen responded to the claims. He calls
the exams his company completes “a critical service” that helps prevent
fraud. Johnsen pointed out Midwest CES does not know which results will
lead to approval or denial of a claim. The government pays contractors
like Midwest CES the same whether an applicant qualifies for benefits or
not. ...