ESA Physical Exam and Presence of Companion

Page 45 (3.1.3.3) of the Medical Services training manual states that the actual physical exam of the claimant at the ESA Interview should normally be done without any companions present, but if the request is reasonable then the companion will be allowed to stay. My partner wants me to be present at the physical exam and I want to be present.

1. Should a letter be sent prior to the ATOS interview that the claimant wants their carer/partner present or,

2. is it sufficient to say so at the interview?

Also:

3. What would reasonable grounds be? I want to be there to add support but also to make sure that everything is done correctly. My thoughts are that reasonable grounds would be that it would make my partner more comfortable?

4. What if ATOS refuse?

Thank you

MSCarer wrote: Page 45 (3.1.3.3) of the Medical Services training manual states that the actual physical exam of the claimant at the ESA Interview should normally be done without any companions present, but if the request is reasonable then the companion will be allowed to stay. My partner wants me to be present at the physical exam and I want to be present.

1. Should a letter be sent prior to the ATOS interview that the claimant wants their carer/partner present or,

2. is it sufficient to say so at the interview?

Also:

3. What would reasonable grounds be? I want to be there to add support but also to make sure that everything is done correctly. My thoughts are that reasonable grounds would be that it would make my partner more comfortable?

4. What if ATOS refuse?

Thank you

Hi MSC,

Many members have had a companion with them at the face to face assessment, to provide care, support, or to take notes.

ATOS cannot deny you this right, and as far as I am aware, you do not have to give them prior notice,(Although you can if you wish to)

See this extract :

"Companion or chaperone during your assessment

You are welcome to bring a relative, carer or friend with you. Although the assessment will be focused on you, a companion can provide useful support to you."

From ATOS's own website, here :

www.atoshealthcare.com/claimants/during_your_assessment

bro58

Thank you - I am specifically talking about the physical exam though and not the interview. It states that the physical exam is not normally done with the companion present, even if the companion is present at the interview stage. I understand about the companion being able to be present for the interview.

Hi MSC,

In the majority of cases a "Physical Exam" is not carried out, (One could be though)

Please take into account that this will not be a "Medical" in the true sense of the word, it is more of a Q & A session where the HCP asks questions generated by the LiMA software, inputs the answer, and a predefined assumption is then made by LiMA, which in turn is recorded on the ESA85 Medical Report.

You may wish to put your query to ATOS : E-Mail : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

bro58

As bro says, it is very unusual for any 'formal' examination to be carried out and the claimant is not normally asked to undress.