PIP ASSESSMENTS & ATOS

I have recently applied for PIP and have been told I am to be assessed by ATOS.

I have provided a doctor’s letter with my application. I am currently being seen by a hospital physiotherapist, who is quite clear about how my ailments affect my ability to do daily things. I was referred to them by the UCH London Rheumatology Clinic.

However, when I asked whether they could write a report to explain my conditions. hhey said no. They could only respond to a form requesting info – from ATOS.

Am I right to be worried about this? I mean, could ATOS’s forms be skewed in their questions to make refusal of benefit more likely?
Eg: could they ask: “ From your knowledge of this patient, explain what he can do each day.”
This would elicit a vastly different impression from a report explaining what I cannot do.

Could anyone on the panel say whether I am right to be worried? And whether there is anything I can do at this stage? And should I ‘phone ATOS with the details of my physio or clinic doctor

Thank you

A

I am afraid your physiotherapist has not been entirely honest with you. It is entirely at their discretion whether or not they write you a letter. However more and more medical professionals are refusing to do so due to increasing demand. Also the physio will only be paid if the DWP request the information. One way round this is to offer to pay an admin fee. Unfortunately Atos will not necessarily request information from the physio even if you ask them to. Also any info they request will be very minimal such as simply confirming your diagnosis.