Problems getting a home visit for ESA

Yes and it’s a problem I fear will increase. especially where people aren’t engaging with their GPs. I had one recently that was only resolved by sheer good fortune.

There’s been a couple of times where GPs have refused to support a HV for want of seeing the patient that has led to benefit being stopped all together. Arguably CHDA are taking too restrictive a line on it; we tried to bring an Equality Act claim against their predecessors in a similar situation a while back. Sadly it fell apart for administrative reasons but it’s still a possibility and pre action correspondence can work wonders at making things happen.

Inbox me should you wish to discuss.

DMG 42265 et seq might come in handy while you battle it out.

Many thanks for the reply.  I will have a good look at DMG

Mario Dunn from Maximus is coming to the GMWRAG meeting next week.

https://gmwrag.wordpress.com/2016/03/02/agenda-for-the-bolton-gmwrag-meeting-now-available 

If there is a specific question you would like to ask I’m happy to take steps to ensure that happens and the responses are documented in the minutes.

Sorry to piggyback on this, but is there an ATOS policy for PIP assessments and home consultations available anywhere?

They told us today that their policy is not to do home visits where there is a history of drug or alcohol issues.

PIP assessment guide itself says that health and safety implications are a factor when deciding whether to do a visit, but doesn’t say there should be a blanket policy. ATOS website just seems to say it’s a case by case decision.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/449043/pip-assessment-guide.pdf
http://www.atoshealthcare.com/pip/faq_view/Can_I_be_seen_by_a_Health_Professional_in_my_home

edit: to answer my own question: different day, different person at ATOS, different answer. There is no policy at all, it is entirely a case by case decision…