- Posts: 17
× Members
ESA Medical Home Visit Refused
- EH
- Topic Author
- Offline
Less More
7 years 2 months ago #180813 by EH
ESA Medical Home Visit Refused was created by EH
Last March 2016 I filled in an ESA review form, writing pages of evidence and enclosing a new doctors letter of evidence, plus copies of previous doctors letters of evidence. I requested a home visit on the grounds that I cannot go out without a mobility scooter or someone pushing me in a manual wheelchair and that I have severe disabling panic attacks. Given that the assessment centre is miles away in another town my doctor as she normally does, requested that any assessment be done at my house as I have no transport, public transport is impossible for me alone and my only family, my son, is studying out of town in the day time.
The past few times my ESA has been reviewed, the doctors letter added to my written evidence has been sufficient that they've not even wanted to do a medical at all and I've had my ESA successfully renewed.
However today, 11 months after sending off my renewal forms I have been sent an appointment for a medical 9.15am at the assessment centre which like I said is miles away in another town!
Despite having a severe panic attack whilst trying to call them, they said they had no doctors letter or home visit request on their system and gave me the number of an office that was likely to have it. I called them and they said that my doctors letter, plus my written evidence was not sufficient to have the medical at home. I explained to them of both my mobility problems and anxiety problems would make it impossible to get to the assessment centre and their reply was to get better evidence from my doctor or I would need to attend.
Thankfully my doctors do telephone consultations and my doctor has agreed to fax through another letter, but having read the letter that was previously sent my doctor is puzzled as to why they have denied the home visit.
I just wanted to ask if this kind of thing is normal now? I've never had this happen before.
The past few times my ESA has been reviewed, the doctors letter added to my written evidence has been sufficient that they've not even wanted to do a medical at all and I've had my ESA successfully renewed.
However today, 11 months after sending off my renewal forms I have been sent an appointment for a medical 9.15am at the assessment centre which like I said is miles away in another town!
Despite having a severe panic attack whilst trying to call them, they said they had no doctors letter or home visit request on their system and gave me the number of an office that was likely to have it. I called them and they said that my doctors letter, plus my written evidence was not sufficient to have the medical at home. I explained to them of both my mobility problems and anxiety problems would make it impossible to get to the assessment centre and their reply was to get better evidence from my doctor or I would need to attend.
Thankfully my doctors do telephone consultations and my doctor has agreed to fax through another letter, but having read the letter that was previously sent my doctor is puzzled as to why they have denied the home visit.
I just wanted to ask if this kind of thing is normal now? I've never had this happen before.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Gordon
- Offline
Less More
- Posts: 51057
7 years 2 months ago #180814 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic ESA Medical Home Visit Refused
EH
The assessments for ESA are now done by Maximus, they seem to have different policies from ATOS as to home assessments.
One comment, your letters appear to primarily refer to issues with travelling, this may not be considered reason for not attending, we recommend (assuming it is applicable) that GPs explain the issues the claimant would have with attending at their offices and try and stay of reasons why they cannot travel. The fact that you go out, albeit with assistance will also count against you.
Gordon
The assessments for ESA are now done by Maximus, they seem to have different policies from ATOS as to home assessments.
One comment, your letters appear to primarily refer to issues with travelling, this may not be considered reason for not attending, we recommend (assuming it is applicable) that GPs explain the issues the claimant would have with attending at their offices and try and stay of reasons why they cannot travel. The fact that you go out, albeit with assistance will also count against you.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Moderators: Gordon, Gary, BIS, Catherine, Wendy, Kelly, greekqueen, peter, Katherine, Super User, jimmck, Chris