Atos overuling GPson sick claimants’requests for visits

ATOS healthcare is rejecting requests for home assessments even if a claimant’s GP supports one.
By Kevin Mullan
Published 15th Jun 2013, 10:58 BST
Nelson McCauslandNelson McCausland
Nelson McCausland

Asked “why Atos Healthcare can refuse a home visit for work capability assessments, even when a GP supports an application,” the Benefits Minister Nelson McCausland said Atos’ own health expert can disregard a GP’s opinion and demand claimants show up at local test centres.

He said: “Claimants requesting a home assessment are required to provide medical evidence to support their request.

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“The information provided is considered by a healthcare professional who will decide whether a home visit is necessary whilst home visits are usually only carried out when a claimant is unable to leave their home for any reason, it is apparent that they are able to attend GP/hospital appointments, then they will normally be expected to attend an assessment centre for their medical assessment appointment.”