Two different clinical roles
California’s Disability Insurance program, administered by EDD as part of State Disability Insurance (SDI), provides short-term wage replacement for eligible people unable to perform their regular work because of a non-work-related illness or injury. Mental health conditions can be part of that evaluation. Licensed physicians and psychologists are among the professionals who may certify disability. See EDD’s physician/practitioner fact sheet.
Routine certification comes from the treating physician or practitioner. An independent medical examination (IME) is a separate examination requested by EDD when it needs an additional opinion—for example, when a certification is unclear or the claimed duration needs further medical explanation. An EDD claim does not automatically involve an IME. See EDD’s description of practitioner and IME roles.
What the evaluation needs to establish
EDD’s certification information includes the diagnosis and diagnostic code, the period of disability, and the practitioner’s identifying information and signature. EDD may ask for clarification of how the condition is disabling. For an EDD-requested IME, the examiner assesses the person’s ability to perform regular work and reports findings that can help EDD confirm or adjust the disability period. Continued disability may require updated certification. See the EDD fact sheet.
For record preparation, begin by identifying the assignment: initial certification, an extension, or an EDD-requested independent opinion. Keep that assignment at the top of your working notes.
Build a work-focused record index
The following is a preparation framework, not a list of documents that EDD requires in every case.
A job title alone leaves much unexplained. For example, two people with the same title may have different schedules, public contact, or supervision. Record what the available evidence says rather than filling those gaps with assumptions.
Keep the timeline precise
Prepare a dated sequence of the reported onset, first relevant clinical encounter, treatment changes, certifications, and work attempts. Attribute each entry to its source.
Use a separate list for unanswered questions. A missing follow-up note should remain a missing note; it should not become an assumed recovery or an assumed continuation of symptoms. Where dates differ, retain both accounts and identify what needs clarification.
Where PsyReview fits
PsyReview can help organize the supplied medical records and surface passages to check before the visit or report. A source-linked chronology gives the clinician a starting point for reconciling the history with current findings and the referral question.
The clinician determines the clinical opinion and certification. PsyReview does not certify an EDD claim, decide benefit eligibility, or file forms with EDD. Review generated summaries against the originals before using them.
Sources and scope
- EDD: State Disability Insurance—Physicians/Practitioners, DE 2548, revised January 2025.
- EDD: Roles of Physician/Practitioners in State Disability Insurance.
Sources checked November 4, 2026. This guide concerns California DI certification and EDD-requested IMEs. For a workers’ compensation evaluation, use the separate QME / AME preparation guide.