Doctor and patient in social security medical exam room

Doctor and insured person during INSS medical examination in a morning consultation room.

About this subject

The INSS medical examination is a mandatory step for granting disability benefits in Brazil, such as sickness leave and disability retirement. Conducted by federal medical experts, the assessment takes place at Social Security agencies across the country. The exam verifies whether the insured person has temporary or permanent work incapacity, based on clinical documentation and physical examination. In 2023, the INSS performed around 4 million medical examinations, according to official data. The process faces criticism due to queues and delays, but has also undergone modernization, such as digital exams (Atestmed) for simple cases. A typical exam room has a desk, computer, and stretcher, with the conversation between doctor and patient lasting an average of 15 to 20 minutes. The morning lighting in the image suggests the start of the workday, when demand is highest. The relationship between the expert and the insured is technical but requires sensitivity to assess subjective conditions like chronic pain or mental disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the INSS medical examination?

It is an assessment by a federal medical expert to determine if the insured person has work incapacity, required for benefits such as sickness leave and disability retirement.

How long does an INSS medical exam take?

On average, the consultation lasts 15 to 20 minutes, but it may vary depending on the case complexity and documentation provided.

How is the INSS medical exam conducted?

The expert reviews medical documents, performs a physical exam, and asks about health conditions and limitations. Since 2023, simple cases can use Atestmed, a digital documentary exam.