Independent medical assessments?

betterlatethannever

Hello,
i hope i've put this in the right place, if not please move.
I've been off work with a shoulder injury for about 2 months now. My work hasn't been very supportive while i've been off and have now asked for me to have a medical assessment. (ive had lots of hospital treatment already)
I received the letter this morning and it is in a city some 15 miles + from me.
My main problem is that i am broke. I was recently declared Bankrupt and the income i have only just pays the rent and council tax. I have had to put my TV away becaus ei can't afford the licence and other family members are paying for internet/food/water. I'm also now suffering from severe depression (caused by the BR and other stuff) and am getting terrified to go out of the house, never mind travel to a place i don't know.
I have no way of being able to afford the trip for the medical (my family aren't that well off and i daren't ask for any more money)
I'm not refusing to go but i simple can not afford it. I desperatly don't want the company to find out about my BR but how can i explain this to them, and will they except the fact i can't afford to go?
Thanks for any help.

nifferwilko

I've been for one of these before and they paid for my transport.

Call HR and explain that you'd love to go for the assessment but it is 15 miles away, you obviously can't drive (bad shoulder) or catch public transport. There is noone to take you so you will have to get a taxi there and back which is an expense you can't afford, with being off sick and having to pay for perscriptions etc

In my mind, if they want you to go for an Independant Medical Assessment for the company, then the company should pay for you to get there and back.

betterlatethannever

Thanks Niffer, i'll contact them and see what they say.

betterlatethannever

Just an update really, Thanks again to Niffer. I told them i would be unable to attend becasue of the cost and they have agreed to pay for a bus there.
Not looking forward to it as its in a city i've never been to and not much idea where i'm going, but, hey, i'm a big girl and i suppose (hope) i'll find my way.
I'm not happy about this whole thing though. I feel it undermines my doctor (who has been fab) and i still feel it makes out i'm a liar.
My boss has been really horrid towards me lately and is now with holding my pay slips ( she keeps promising to send them but its been two weeks now, and i've asked 3 times, yet still not got them) She knows i need them.
Anyway if anyone has experience of these medical reports i'd appreciate any comments.
Thanks

tigtag02

knowledgeman wrote: »

And what is your job

Frankly reading between the lines I think your full of it

You have your family paying for the "essentials" , food, billls and um internet access:rolleyes:

Knowledgeman - I have reported your post - I am sick and tired of browsing the boards to see you being horrible to other users.

Your bullying and disrespect has no place on MSE.

tigtag02

knowledgeman wrote: »

Well lets all give her a big hug and suggest ways she could bump even more money out of the company without doing simple things like attending a medical assessment

OK - points to note:

• SHE IS ILL (did you miss that bit?)
• At which point did she say she was not going to attend the assessment?

Constructive critisism and healthy debate are as much a part of MSE as help, support and advice.

However, if you disagree with a poster you are rude, judgmental and to be honest only a shot step away from bullying which by definition is NOT helpful.

Help by all means but you need to knock the personal insults and nasty attitude on the head.

betterlatethannever

I am NOT looking for a way NOT to attend at all. I'm going there and was asking if anybody had any knowledge of what to expect, i simply said i was unhappy about having to attend. Previous to this sick leave i have worked solidly all my life, except for a few months after my kid was born. I've never had a bad sick record. Although why i feel i have to explain my actions to someone like you i don't know.
I really need stupid comments like yours at the moment. Thanks a lot.

tigtag02

betterlatethannever wrote: »

I am NOT looking for a way NOT to attend at all. I'm going there and was asking if anybody had any knowledge of what to expect, i simply said i was unhappy about having to attend. Previous to this sick leave i have worked solidly all my life, except for a few months after my kid was born. I've never had a bad sick record. Although why i feel i have to explain my actions to someone like you i don't know.
I really need stupid comments like yours at the moment. Thanks a lot.

BLTN

Please please do not take on board what this poster has said - he sole intent appears to be to upset, hinder and generally troll!!!

You have enough on your plate without this nugget and his *infinite wisdom* :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Take care and concentrate on the things you need to not the crap that doesnt deserve your time

Good luck with everything
tigtag
xx

safesound

betterlatethannever wrote: »

Anyway if anyone has experience of these medical reports i'd appreciate any comments.
Thanks

I'm not sure if its the same thing BLTN but I had a private medical for my life insurance, it too involved me travelling to another city and going to some crusty old rich doctors house where he had an office out back. It would have been quite scary if my DH hadnt been with me. He ended up being really nice about it though. I had to explain my medical background and tell him what I was currently suffering from. We did some simple tests (reach tests I think they were called), he listened to my heart and breathing, he weighed me and measured my height. We had a little chat about lifestyle and food and he said that was it. I had passed no problem. Now I'm sure yours will be more specific to your medical problem but please remember doctors are people too, not big scary monsters so you will be fine. I'm pretty sure despite the urban myths they aren't sending you there to "catch you out" they just want an independent opinion. Tell the truth, don't exaggerate anything (as they may take this you are lying about everything) and look at it as a learning opportunity. Oh and try to relax, I bet you don't often get to go to plush doctors offices (well I dont anyway ) maybe you can strike it off your "things to do by the time I'm 40" list. :rotfl:

PasturesNew

betterlatethannever wrote: »

I'm not happy about this whole thing though. I feel it undermines my doctor (who has been fab) and i still feel it makes out i'm a liar.

I am currently working in a job organising these reports/doctors for people.

A GP is one type of doctor, but there is another raft of qualifications for a doctor to be an Occupational Health Doctor. Plus, the doctors get paid for it privately. They work like a "freelancer" in that there's a list of qualified OH doctors on the list who have been asked to do these assessments - and their fees are discussed and it's approved from both sides. So for a few reasons already it's not "just any doctor"

When the doctor sees you they will be checking that you've been diagnosed properly - and that you have/are receiving all the right medication etc.

They are then qualified to answer specific employer questions, which are usually:
1) are they getting all the help they need?
2) how long before they're back?
3) once they're back will be have to make adjustments for them? would these adjustments be permanent?

Then onto the issues of whether you would qualify for retirement under ill-health.

And also - whether your condition is affected by the DDA 1995. (Disability Act)

So now you see why you have to go to one 15 miles away - that will be the closest one they have that's approved on their list.

And what's different about them to your GP (approved, private, specifically qualified).

Sometimes these doctors have further help they can give you that is not available to your GP. Stuff employers might pay for to fix you better/quicker.

Good luck

betterlatethannever

Thanks so much for the sensible and informative replies. Its certainly put my mind at rest.
I really hope this person can help me a bit more, i long to be free from this pain!
I'm still not looking forward to the journey. I hate being off my own 'stomping ground' and i'm terrible with directions, but i'm sure i'll manage.
Thanks again for your replies.