Medical Examination.
Medical Examination. I’m in recovery from surgery/chemo/radiotherapy. I have received an appoinment for a medical examination as I am currently receiving Incapacity Benefit. I’m extremely nervous about attending this examination and don’t know what to expect. It’s hard enough getting through everything without having to deal with this. Has anyone been for such an examination and what can I expect? Any help would be appreciated.
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medical exams I have had 2 medicals for incapacity benefit and they basically are no more than an informal chat. The first one was plain sailing with a lovely older doctor, the second a year later was with a young female who had my benefit stopped because she noticed that I could pick up my handbag without pain, I don’t think she lived in the real world where women do slightly more than pick up handbags! You can appeal their decision but it is rare for them to change thier minds.
The ‘medical’ lasts no more than 15-20 minutes and you can claim back travelling expenses if you need to. The medical was actually held in my local job centre.
hope this helps.
Medical Exams I too have been on Incapacity Benefit for just over 12 months following my operation in November 2005 and subsequent treatment. I was made redundant around the same time!! Must look on the bright side however and it’s given me time to recover and decide what I want to do next - just as soon as the Chronic Fatigue subsides!!
Naturally I still have regular GP and hospital checks, but I also had to have a meeting at the local Job Centre, but it wasn’t classed as a medical examination, just an informal chat to see how things were going. They also went through my previous work experience, qualifications and most importantly any limitations I now have following the major surgery I underwent. Naturally I was concerned that it may be seen as ‘your treatment finished four months ago, you should be looking for a job by now’ but it wasn’t. She stressed that with such fatigue it’s important not to get back to work too soon.
The chat was also helpful in that she explained that I could work (I think it’s 17 hours a week, but check that!) and still get the Incapacity Benefit, just as long as they are kept informed.
I know this experience was because I currently have no job, but hopefully it will be helpful, rather than onerous, and of course I may have to have the medical examination you mentioned at a later date if I need to continue the Benefit for any length of time.
All the best for you ongoing recovery
TAY X
Hello,
the incapacity benefit medical examination works on a point system.
In order to still qualify you need to score at least 14 points for a physical disability or 10 for a mental one like stress or depression.
You may find this link useful, it lists what points they give out for both mental and physical disabilities.
bhas.org.uk/freeguides/incapacityforwork.pdf
Basically you shouldnt hold back at the medical. You must mention absolutley everything and how it affects your every day life. Usually the Doctor wont ask you specific questions but will just have a chat with you to find out if you cover any of the points. To be honest the point system sucks but thats how they do it. Even though most of your treatment may be over it takes a long time to recover both mentally and physically and you may not be ready to return to work yet. So dont worry about the medical too much. Just find out as much as you can on the internet about Medical Examinations for Incapacity and go along well prepared. Another weblink you might find useful
bhas.org.uk/freeguides/incapacityforwork.pdf
If you need to know anything else, just ask.
best
stella
x
medical exams Thanks Stella
That’s helpful to know, I’ll check out those sites too.
Can I just clarify my previous post, it’s 16 hours that you can work whilst receiving Incap Benefit, but obviously that’s not forever!!
Some people just don’t realise how long it takes to get over something like this, especially when you often look back to normal externally!!
All the best
TAY X
Here is the point system for incapcity benefit You actually need to score at least 15 points for a physical diasbility OR 10 points for a mental one. If you are suffering from post dx anxiety, depression or stress then you will be asked about what treatment or medication you are getting (anti-depressants, councelling etc)
See below-
The test - physical disabilities
Walking on level ground with a walking stick or other aid if such aid is normally used.
Descriptors Points
Cannot walk at all 15
Cannot walk for more than a few steps without stopping or severe discomfort. 15
Cannot walk more than 50 metres without stopping or severe discomfort. 15
Cannot walk for more than 200 metres without stopping or severe discomfort. 7
Cannot walk more than 400 metres without stopping or severe discomfort. 3
Cannot walk more than 800 metres without stopping or severe discomfort. 0
No walking problem 0
N.b. only the highest of the scores from walking and walking up and down stairs counts towards the total.
Walking up and down stairs
Descriptors Points
Cannot walk up and down one stair. 15
Cannot walk up and down a flight of 12 stairs. 15
Cannot walk up and down a flight of 12 stairs without holding on and taking a rest. 7
Cannot walk up and down a flight of 12 stairs without holding on. 3
Can only walk up and down a flight of 12 stairs, if he goes sideways or one step at a time. 3
No problem in walking up and down stairs. 0
Sitting in an upright chair with a back, but no arms.
Descriptors Points
Cannot sit comfortably. 15
Cannot sit comfortably for more than 10 minutes without having to move from the chair because the degree of discomfort makes it impossible to continue sitting. 15
Cannot sit comfortably for more than 30 minutes without having to move from the chair because the degree of discomfort makes it impossible to continue sitting. 7
Cannot sit comfortably for more than 1 hour without having to move from the chair because the degree of discomfort makes it impossible to continue sitting. 3
Cannot sit comfortably for more than 2 hours without having to move from the chair because the degree of discomfort makes it impossible to continue sitting. 0
No problem with sitting. 0
Standing without the support of another person or the use of an aid except a walking stick.
Descriptors Points
Cannot stand unassisted. 15
Cannot stand for more than a minute before needing to sit down. 15
Cannot stand for more than 10 minutes before needing to sit down. 15
Cannot stand for more than 30 minutes before needing to sit down. 7
Cannot stand for more than 10 minutes before needing to move around. 7
Cannot stand for more than 30 minutes before needing to move around. 3
No problem standing. 0
Rising from sitting in an upright chair with a back but no arms without the help of another person.
Descriptors Points
Cannot rise from sitting to standing. 15
Cannot rise from sitting to standing without holding on to something. 7
Sometimes cannot rise from sitting to standing without holding on to something. 3
No problem with rising from sitting to standing. 0
Bending and kneeling.
Descriptors Points
Cannot bend to touch his knees and straighten up again. 15
Cannot either, bend or kneel, or bend and kneel, as if to pick up a piece of paper from the floor and straighten up again. 15
Sometimes cannot either, bend or kneel, or bend and kneel as if to pick up a piece of paper from the floor and straighten up again. 3
No problem with bending and kneeling. 0
Manual dexterity.
Descriptors Points
Cannot turn the pages of a book with either hand. 15
Cannot turn a tap or control knobs on a cooker with either hand. 15
Cannot pick up a coin which is 2.5cm or less in diameter with either hand. 15
Cannot use a pen or pencil. 15
Cannot tie a bow in laces or string. 10
Cannot turn a sink tap or the control knobs on a cooker with one hand, but can with the other. 6
Cannot pick up a coin which is 2.5 cm or less in diameter with one hand, but can with the other. 6
No problem with manual dexterity. 0
Lifting and Carrying.
Descriptors Points
Cannot pick up a paperback book with either hand. 15
Cannot pick up and carry a 0.5 litre carton of milk with either hand. 15
Cannot pick up and pour from a full saucepan or kettle of 1.7 litre capacity with either hand. 15
Cannot pick up and carry a 2.5 kg bag of potatoes with either hand. 8
Cannot pick up and carry a 0.5 litre carton of milk with one hand, but can with the other. 6
Cannot pick up and carry a 2.5 kg bag of potatoes with one hand, but can with the other. 0
No problem with lifting and carrying. 0
Reaching.
Descriptors Points
Cannot raise either arm to put something in the top pocket of a coat or jacket. 15
Cannot raise either arm to his head to put on a hat. 15
Cannot put either arm behind his back to put on a coat or jacket. 15
Cannot raise either arm above his head to reach for something. 15
Cannot raise one arm to his head to put on a hat, but can with the other. 6
Cannot raise one arm above his head to reach for something, but can with the other. 0
No problems with reaching. 0
Speech.
Descriptors Points
Cannot Speak. 15
Speech cannot be understood by family or friends. 15
Speech cannot be understood by strangers. 15
Strangers have great difficulty understanding speech. 10
Strangers have some difficulty understanding speech. 8
No problems with speech. 0
Hearing with a hearing aid or other aid if normally worn.
Descriptors Points
Cannot hear sounds at all. 15
Cannot hear well enough to follow a television programme with the volume turned up. 15
Cannot hear well enough to understand someone talking in a loud voice in a quiet room. 15
Cannot hear well enough to understand someone talking in a normal voice in a quiet room. 10
Cannot hear well enough to understand someone talking in a normal voice on a busy street. 8
No problems with hearing. 0
Vision in normal daylight or bright electric light with glasses or other aid to vision if such aid is normally worn.
Descriptors Points
Cannot tell light from dark. 15
Cannot see the shape of furniture in the room. 15
Cannot see well enough to read 16 point print at a distance greater that 20cm 15
Cannot see well enough to recognise a friend across the room. 12
Cannot see well enough to recognise a friend across the road. 8
No problem with vision. 0
Continence (other than enuresis (bed wetting)).
Descriptors Points
No voluntary control over bowels. 15
No voluntary control over bladder. 15
Loses control of bowels at least once a week. 15
Loses control of bowels at least once a month. 15
Loses control of bowels occasionally. 9
Loses control of bladder at least once a month. 3
Loses control of bladder occasionally. 0
No problem with continence. 0
Remaining conscious without having epileptic or similar seizures during waking moments.
Descriptors Points
Has an involuntary episode of lost or altered consciousness at least once a day. 15
Has an involuntary episode of lost or altered consciousness at least once a week. 15
Has an involuntary episode of lost or altered consciousness at least once a month. 15
Has had an involuntary episode of lost or altered consciousness at least twice in the 6 months before the day in respect to which it falls to be determined whether he is incapable of work for the purposes of entitlement to any benefit, allowance or advantage. 12
Has had an involuntary episode of lost or altered consciousness once in the 6 months before the day in respect to which it falls to be determined whether he is capable of work for the purposes of entitlement to any benefit, allowance or advantage. 8
Has had an involuntary episode of lost or altered consciousness once in the 3 years before the day in respect to which it falls to be determined whether he is capable of work for the purposes of entitlement to any benefit, allowance or advantage. 0
Has no problem with consciousness. 0
The test - mental disabilities
If you score 10 points or more on this test you are incapable of work.
If you score between 6 and 9 points then 9 points will be added to the physical assessment score to see if you pass the 15 points threshold.
If you score less than 6 points on this test the points are not counted.
Completion of tasks.
Descriptors Points
Cannot answer the telephone and reliably take a message. 2
Often sits for hours doing nothing. 2
Cannot concentrate to read a magazine article or follow a radio or television programme. 1
Cannot use a telephone book or other directory to find a number. 1
Mental condition prevents him from undertaking leisure activities previously enjoyed. 1
Overlooks or forgets the risk posed by domestic appliances or other common hazards due to poor concentration. 1
Agitation, confusion or forgetfulness has resulted in mishaps or accidents in the 3 months before the day in respect to which it falls to be determined whether he is incapable of work for the purposes of entitlement to any benefit allowance or advantage. 1
Concentration can only be sustained by prompting 1
Daily living.
Descriptors Points
Needs encouragement to get up and dress. 2
Needs alcohol before midday. 2
Is frequently distressed at some time of the day due to fluctuation of mood. 1
Does not care about his appearance and living conditions. 1
Sleep problems interfere with his daytime activities. 1
Coping with pressure.
Descriptors Points
Mental stress was a factor in making him stop work. 2
Frequently feels scared or panicky for no obvious reason. 2
Avoids carrying out routine activities because he is convinced they will prove too tiring or stressful. 1
Is unable to cope with changes in daily routine. 1
Frequently finds there are so many things to do that he gives up because of fatigue, apathy or disinterest. 1
Is scared or anxious that work would bring back or worsen his illness. 1
Interaction with other people.
Descriptors Points
Cannot look after himself without help form others. 2
Gets upset by ordinary events and it results in disruptive behavioural problems. 2
Mental problems impair ability to communicate with other people. 2
Gets irritated by things that would not have bothered him before he became ill. 1
Prefers to be left alone for 6 hours or more each day. 1
Is too frightened to go out alone.