Medical query

Hi,
Regarding us all having to undertake more medicals this Autumn. I was wondering if I have the right to have my medical at home and would I require a letter from my GP to request this. Also am I able to have a solicitor with me whilst having the medical? I am so worried about loosing my benefit and I know this is the governments plan to remove us from DLA ect on to job seekers allowance. This worry is really affecting my health. I have been told by the Cardiologist to avoid stress. I am just not well enough to go through the whole appeal system again yet alone go to work. I would be grateful for any advice. thanks

Amber wrote:

Hi,
Regarding us all having to undertake more medicals this Autumn. I was wondering if I have the right to have my medical at home and would I require a letter from my GP to request this. Also am I able to have a solicitor with me whilst having the medical? I am so worried about loosing my benefit and I know this is the governments plan to remove us from DLA ect on to job seekers allowance. This worry is really affecting my health. I have been told by the Cardiologist to avoid stress. I am just not well enough to go through the whole appeal system again yet alone go to work. I would be grateful for any advice. thanks

The migration of IB claimants to ESA will commence on a trial basis in Burnley and Aberdeen in October 2010, and will be extended to all IB claimants from February 2011. The anticipated date for the reassessment of all DLA claims for people of working age will commence in 2013.

Following the migration of IB claimants to ESA, there are likely to be a massive amount of appeals, not because a claimant's medical condition has improved, but because they are being subjected to a much harsher test under the WCA. Effectively what is happening is that the previous government moved the goalposts big style.

Given the fact that to date the combined amount of IB and ESA appeals amounts to 179,000 already, the whole system is likely to collapse under the pressure of a further deluge of appeals. Whether this will be to the detriment of claimants, only time will tell? Furthermore, in my opinion, the government may be forced into a retreat in their quest to reassess the vast majority of DLA claimants starting in 2013, as this would undoubtedly attract another flood of potentially unmanageable appeals.

On your substantive question, if you were to request a medical assessment at home for ESA, you would need very strong compelling evidence from your GP, as Atos are extremely reluctant to consent to domiciliary medical assessments. At the moment, DLA medicals are normally carried out at a claimants home, but it is anticipated that when the DLA reassessment commences in 2013, the medical examination will be held in a medical examination centre nearest to a claimant's home address. In these circumstances, again it would be likely that you would require compelling medical evidence to allow an assessment at home.

On the question of having a solicitor present at a medical assessment, this may prove to be costly, but there is nothing in the regulations which would necessarily prevent the attendance of a lawyer if so required.

Crazydiamond wrote:

DLA medicals are normally carried out at a claimants home, but it is anticipated that when the DLA reassessment commences in 2013, the medical examination will be held in a medical examination centre nearest to a claimant's home address. In these circumstances, again it would be likely that you would require compelling medical evidence to allow an assessment at home.

are these examination centres equipped to deal with all physical disabilities re DLA and reassesment of SDA etc ?

i list as examples, hoists, transfer boards if needed, are staff trained in handling techniques to assist if required during their 'examinations'?.

adequate disabled toilet facilities for dealing with catheters, colostomy bags etc,

These matters have been puzzling me for a while. No-one appears to have mentioned these things when talking about ATOS and with the future re-assessment of DLA claimants many of whom are seriously disabled I wonder where this could lead.

if u need help dont expect it at manchester atos they dont even have parking not even blue badge parking and its a hike acros the car park as well

Hi pac100575, I was at the Manchester centre a couple of years ago(for Incap/ben Medical), But i notced a fair sized piece of card which had written on it in black felt tip capitals DLA medicals this way(ARROW POINTING THE WAY TO GO). At the time i thought it was strange because when i had a DLA medical the doctor came to my house. Best Wishes

Hi I can relate to you stressing about your medical but try not to stress to much (easily said I know). The best way to stay calm is to be prepared. To have someone with you is an excellent idea. Also you can secretly record your medical so you can listen back to the medical later should you need to. This is against Atos policy (secret recording) but it is not against the law and you will find loads of information on secret recording on this site.
The doctor may ask leading questions, such as 'you said you do house work, what sort of house work do you do?' but you never said that. So have a think about the questions before rushing your reply. Take Care and good luck, Sherlock