RE HCP Qualifications

Hi

Following on from the post about the HCP lack of mental health qualifications, I would have added this onto that post but it has been locked. Just out of interest I am a member of a health forum specifically that deals with my own condition, fibromyalgia, among others.

A fellow member said she wanted to know if you can request or even demand that if you have a face to face that the HCP dealing with your case is properly qualified or even specialised in your conditions and has the required expertise in dealing with what can be complex neurological or rheumatological problems. Or better still you can request that you get a doctor to see you. We have all heard horror stories about the way disabled people are treated by Atos and the often woeful lack of medical awareness and knowledge of people's health and disabilities that is displayed.

I thought she was mistaken and that who you see is up to Atos and that claimants can have no input in who carries out the assessment. It would be great if this was the case but I very much fear that we are at the mercy of fate. I just wondered what the mods thought and is there any point in asking for a HCP experienced in dealing with fibro on the ESA50 form? Thank you.

madcatwoman wrote: Hi

Following on from the post about the HCP lack of mental health qualifications, I would have added this onto that post but it has been locked. Just out of interest I am a member of a health forum specifically that deals with my own condition, fibromyalgia, among others.

A fellow member said she wanted to know if you can request or even demand that if you have a face to face that the HCP dealing with your case is properly qualified or even specialised in your conditions and has the required expertise in dealing with what can be complex neurological or rheumatological problems. Or better still you can request that you get a doctor to see you. We have all heard horror stories about the way disabled people are treated by Atos and the often woeful lack of medical awareness and knowledge of people's health and disabilities that is displayed.

I thought she was mistaken and that who you see is up to Atos and that claimants can have no input in who carries out the assessment. It would be great if this was the case but I very much fear that we are at the mercy of fate. I just wondered what the mods thought and is there any point in asking for a HCP experienced in dealing with fibro on the ESA50 form? Thank you.

Hi mcw,

ATOS state that they use Doctors for certain neurological conditions.

However, information with regards to which neurological conditions is rather sketchy.

As proven by the case in the UT ruling, ATOS deem that all their HCP's are qualified in Disability Analysis. (ADA's) They do have Mental Health Champions, who are supposed to be accessible to any assessing HCP, to offer advice over the phone.

One could request that ATOS provided a certain type of HCP, with specialist knowledge to carry out an assessment, whether they would comply with such a request is a different matter.

I would certainly not recommend refusing to take part in a face to face if ATOS did not comply, as this may result in loss of benefit.

bro58

Hi

Many thanks to you both. If I go get called in for a F2F I will of course attend, I would never want to give Atos any ammunition. I was just curious about what to put on the form. I don't think it is even worth the bother of asking to be honest as the chances of getting anyone specialised are pretty remote. But interesting all the same. Thanks again.

madcatwoman wrote: Hi

Many thanks to you both. If I go get called in for a F2F I will of course attend, I would never want to give Atos any ammunition. I was just curious about what to put on the form. I don't think it is even worth the bother of asking to be honest as the chances of getting anyone specialised are pretty remote. But interesting all the same. Thanks again.

Hi mcw,

It may still be worthwhile making such a request, even if ATOS do not comply. (As long as you still attend any assessment)

This could then be useful, as Gordon has suggested, where there was a need for an appeal.

bro58

Hi

Many thanks to you both. If I go get called in for a F2F I will of course attend, I would never want to give Atos any ammunition. I was just curious about what to put on the form. I don't think it is even worth the bother of asking to be honest as the chances of getting anyone specialised are pretty remote. But interesting all the same. Thanks again.

Ii should be noted that Atos and Capita, the companies who appoint health care professionals who may be doctors of medicine ( with a license to practice medicine in the UK) nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists. It is very rare for the HCP to be a Consultant in the condition that the claimant suffers from. There is of course nothing to stop you from submitting a private medical report from a doctor who specialises in your condition ( fibromyalgia) or indeed any other member who suffers from a disease that an average HCP wouldn't know a lot about, for example multiple sclerosis. ( used as an example as I've had it since 1986) and there are few Consultant Neurologists who specialise in treating MS sufferers.