Atos Assessment in need of an Audio Recorder.

[Guest]

oh my .......

[reallymadwoman]

Are you trying to beat my record for the longest ever IB to ESA transfer? Actually you will, since I'm not going to complete the transfer.

 

I wish DWP would recall my file, but it does prove that they could if they wanted to.

[Guest]

Am half expecting a long sit out here too from what I am reading in CAG and hearing from ESA office lol.

[**Margaret**]

:reallymadwoman:

 

Nah, don't want this record any more than you do. Who would? We'll soon be spending longer being assessed than we'll get between assessments. Probably just as well that our co-ordinator chased Tatos for me. As it would be for your family, the respite from them is long overdue. It was only a matter of time before one of us lost it completely with their pathetic excuses.

 

My condition's unchanged in thirty plus years, and despite Tatos optimism there's no new evidence to be had, but I'm surprised they're still chasing you. From what you've written your health's deteriorated since your initial ESA50, and you've evidence to prove it. Unless they've simply lost the last lot you sent!!

 

Margaret.

[reallymadwoman]

I have now sent updated (and paid for!) evidence to ATOS 3 times. So far as I can determine no one has even looked at it and I have in writing that the last lot was simply placed on file for the doctor to read prior to my assessment. When I completed the ESA50 I was hoping I might just scrape support group on one criteria, I now meet at least 3 different ones and could make a good argument for 2 more, however I am simply not prepared to jump through any more of ATOS' hoops. The last few weeks of peace have been amazing for all of us and after such a good rest we might have been tempted to give it one last shot .... but of course it wouldn't be because no doubt the next ESA50 would fall on the mat 3 months later.

 

No one has yet commented on the contradiction which is basically the cause of all the problems I've had with ATOS - I'm too disabled to be admitted to their assessment centre but I might be fit for work!

[**Margaret**]

:reallymadwoman:

 

Oh, this scenario's ridiculous! Even for Tardy Tatos. Specially given their current backlogs and capacity issues!!

 

Yes their admin guide says to simply place doctor's letters, consultant's reports etcetera in the ESA55 as unlisted medical evidence but for significant evidence, as you appear to have, it's usually possible to get them to send the referral through scrutiny again. Takes n attempts (like you described with getting them to reply to electronic mails) but they get the message eventually. Specially if it's from a supportive medical professional to a regional manager.

 

And I've just thought of something else. After a round of good cause their clerks are supposed to send the referral through scrutiny again; if the ESA50's a year out of date or the ESA55 file contains medical evidence.

 

If you're interested, there's a copy of the most recent guidance I'm aware of at;

 

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/fit_for_assessment#incoming-370378

 

As for that obvious contradiction:?: Tatos can't see why I was prepared to wait over a year for an audio recorder either. 'Cos they have to record assessments for benefit claims anyway. They've got a specialist computer programme called LIMA.' And just in case you didn't know; the requests for audio recording and home visits put a lot of unnecessary stress on their pinocchios.

 

A decidedly unsympathetic to Tatos, Margaret.

Edited September 14, 2013 by **Margaret**

[stu007]

Hi

 

This PDF may also be of interest its Revised WCA Handbook Version 6 Final - 19th March 2013:

[reallymadwoman]

Thanks for that Margaret - if nothing else it's one last delaying tactic before stating outright that I'm not making another appointment. I'll just ask them to confirm that in accordance with the guidance .....

[reallymadwoman]

I'm obviously being dim this morning but I cannot find in either set of guidance anything about sending through scrutiny again after a round of good cause. Can you give me a page number or paragraph reference? I really have tried hard to find it myself.

[**Margaret**]

:Hello reallymadwoman:

 

Don't think there's anything about a re run through scrutiny in the pinocchio's handbook. :stu007: probably thought it'd be useful info for others facing a Tatos trial.

 

The info you're looking for is; section 7 (page 28) of the Medical Services Referral System Registration and Scrutiny Guide. I don't know what 'ED' stands for. Might be one of Tatos computer codes. They publish a list, so if I can cadge a copy I'll let you know.

 

I've no opinion on whether you should use the info. As I've said before, the only right path through the DWATO torment is the one that feels right (or least wrong) for each of us at the time.

 

Margaret.