In the context of a Social Security Disability claim, a medical examination is an assessment by your primary treater (physician or psychiatrist) of the mental and physical findings which disable you from working. The examination must be current, which is within the last 60 days for a mental examination and the last six months for a physical examination. Of course if there are changes in your condition that you want included in your Medical Source Statement, the examination will have to be current as to those. When the treater is asking you about your history, describe your history whether it be current or past medical history and limitations, in quantifiable terms as to how your ability to work is limited. For example, you cannot sit for more than 10 minutes without severe pain.
If you desire that the examination be performed by your primary treater, lay a foundation with him/her in advance. Let them know you are attempting to claim SSD benefits and need a Medical Source Statement. Advise that the SSD office will pay for the examination, but only a certain amount. (Find out from your Disability Examiner how much they are willing to pay.) Request your primary treater to conduct the examination for that price and express your appreciation and gratitude. The date of the examination should take place within a few weeks of the Disability Examiner's request for the exaination.