The dreaded ESA medical

Thinkthin

Filled in my form last Tuesday, posted it Wednesday and yesterday they phoned to book my medical assessment for 28th August.

That seems a bit fast. I wonder if anyone actually bothered to read my form at all.

Feeling very down about the whole process.

Invalidation

Thinkthin wrote: »

Filled in my form last Tuesday, posted it Wednesday and yesterday they phoned to book my medical assessment for 28th August.

That seems a bit fast. I wonder if anyone actually bothered to read my form at all.

You assume they can read? I doubt most can even speak English correctly

Thinkthin

Just wondered why it was so fast when people have waited weeks after sending the form in.

Debating whether to take my friend as some of the feedback about them twisting answers worries me.

jayk

Hi
Mine was also quick after filling in form it was booked 2 weeks after however I had to reschedule mine due to mothers death. Had my ATOS medical this week. In end I had to go on own. Nurse was okay but felt like some were trick questions. Just by responding to if I washed up dishes at home and occasionaly having to go to shop nearby will probably lead me fit for work now. Also having a wash and getting dressed each day felt went against me. Doubt if scored any points at all. Was over with very quickly (1/2 hour) and only after I realised should have said this and that. Although did my best and expanded where necessary.

But when you are not well you cant think straight and just getting there and having to answer lots of questions I found difficult. Said report will likely to be 4 weeks time so will be waiting to see what happens now.

Good luck, take care

ineed

Thinkthin wrote: »

Just wondered why it was so fast when people have waited weeks after sending the form in.

Debating whether to take my friend as some of the feedback about them twisting answers worries me.

I'd try not to dwell on it to much for the sake of your sanity. If you can you should definitely take someone with you, for moral support if nothing else. Good luck to you .

Muttleythefrog

jayk wrote: »

Hi
Mine was also quick after filling in form it was booked 2 weeks after however I had to reschedule mine due to mothers death. Had my ATOS medical this week. In end I had to go on own. Nurse was okay but felt like some were trick questions. Just by responding to if I washed up dishes at home and occasionaly having to go to shop nearby will probably lead me fit for work now. Also having a wash and getting dressed each day felt went against me. Doubt if scored any points at all. Was over with very quickly (1/2 hour) and only after I realised should have said this and that. Although did my best and expanded where necessary.

But when you are not well you cant think straight and just getting there and having to answer lots of questions I found difficult. Said report will likely to be 4 weeks time so will be waiting to see what happens now.

Good luck, take care

I'd request a copy of the medical report (ESA85) from DWP... there's a solid chance the DWP will effectively just rubber stamp it in the weeks to come. It's a document that could prove useful in future and of course could put your mind at some ease or be important material needed for appeal if the worst happens. If you're quick there's also the possibility that if the report is nonsense you could try to intervene with regards the DWP... put them under pressure to reject its findings before taking a decision (some appear to have successfully done this).

Muttleythefrog

Thinkthin wrote: »

Just wondered why it was so fast when people have waited weeks after sending the form in.

Debating whether to take my friend as some of the feedback about them twisting answers worries me.

I question sometimes too whether ATOS HCPs are spending much effort reading ESA50s and other supplied medical evidence that one may send. I strongly suspect there are corner cutting possibilities to increase efficiencies of a process that pays per assessment. When you return ESA50 etc they should evaluate if a face to face medical is necessary... and they do.. but I do wonder with just what vigour.

Try not to worry. I would take a friend if you can. I would also covertly audio record if you can.. perhaps that's where a friend could come in useful! Take any supporting medical evidence you can and present it at medical if you haven't already sent it with ESA50. HAve a good study of the descriptors before you go.. have a good idea of what descriptors apply to you and therefore how you think you'll qualify for ESA. Expect the medical to use indirect questioning in the sense that questions will be asked about your daily life in order to draw conclusions in relation to the descriptors. Also expect the HCP to spend significant time engaged in PC usage as this medical is software driven. If you're claiming in relation to MH problems then it should be noted that behaviour, appearance, demeanour will be recorded.. in effect they'll look for stereotypical symptoms of mental illness.

As above, after the medical.. perhaps a couple fo working days later... call DWP and request a copy of the medical report ESA85.

Le73Uq86Uv

Ask to have the medical recorded.