atos medical & confused

[matiln]

I'm so confussd. I completed a form last august think it was a esa50, loads of pages. I didnt hear anything then this week I have recieved an appointment for a medical. I thought atos had been suspended? Part of my condition is spinal related caused by an accident. I dont really want to go into to much detail. I have experienced one medical, when Ifirst became sick, about 2 years ago. The whole proces was a lie, I had to go to tribunal. I refused to attend, but was awarded esa wrag. The thought of going through this process again fills me with horror, as I dont trust them. I have enough meidcal paperwork, which they have copies of. My appointment is forthe 20th october, i cant get anyone to go withme, as I have several hospital appointments in the same week. I havent rung atos yet, as i cant face it. I'm just so shocked as I thought atos had gone. Can I write to them with a current medical letter, explaining the current condition my spine & pelvis is in or do i have to attend this farce, to be told nil points because Ican use a phone!! Sorry for the rambling, but I'm nervous, confused & angry. Thanks in advance

[rebel11]

Hi matiln

 

Welcome to CAG

 

ATOS are poor. If your concerned that they won't do their job regardless of all the medical evidence you have, ring them up and tell them that you want the Assessment Recorded, also explain that you have other health appointments that week, ask them to make an alternative appointment for you. I believe you can postpone it once. Also it will give you the opportunity to find someone to go with you

 

When you attend make sure the Recording equiptment is working. Make a list of all your meds and there side effects take that with you, take a copy of the ESA50 just incase you forget anything and can refer to it. Take copies of all your medical reports etc.

 

You can send a letter with your medical evidence, but they will more them likely just ignore it, then you have a battle on your hands. Try to calm down it will help you deal with your claim better.

 

Apparently a new company is going to be appointed in early 2015.

[matiln]

Many thanks for your reply.

I would have to have someone with me, as I'm unable to get there unaided. They cant let me know until the end of next week what dates they are available, as he is taking me to 3 hospital/doctor appointments within the same week, so he has to book time from work to do this. He is unable to fit in another appointment for me. I work all my appointments around him, so this ATOS appointment as come not only as a shock, but at a time when I'm having a lot of medical visits.

I really dont have any heart in going to ATOS, as I know & remember so well what happened the last time, its just a farce & cant bare it. I feel sick to my stomach. Thanks again

[rebel11]

Right, the first thing to do is to ring them up and cancel the appointment for the 20th, tell them the person to accompany you won't know their availability until the end of next week. When you find out you will ring them. That is a small step to start off with. You are going to be fine.

 

Let us know what they say.

 

Many thanks for your reply.

I would have to have someone with me, as I'm unable to get there unaided. They cant let me know until the end of next week what dates they are available, as he is taking me to 3 hospital/doctor appointments within the same week, so he has to book time from work to do this. He is unable to fit in another appointment for me. I work all my appointments around him, so this ATOS appointment as come not only as a shock, but at a time when I'm having a lot of medical visits.

I really dont have any heart in going to ATOS, as I know & remember so well what happened the last time, its just a farce & cant bare it. I feel sick to my stomach. Thanks again

[reallymadwoman]

When you know what dates your carer will be available you can use this email address R customer relations rather than phoning. You may need to be firm that they pass the information on to the bookings department, but they will do it. That way you have a paper trail as ATOS do acknowledge emails but don't always record what is actually said in phone calls.

When you phone to cancel the appointment follow up in writing with a copy to DWP along the lines of

"As agreed on (date) at (time) with (name of person you spoke to) the appointment on whatever has been cancelled as my carer is not available to accompany me. I will provide dates of when he/she will be available as soon as possible."

[matiln]

Hi all. I did ring them last week & was told I couldnt have the date I wanted as it was too far off. The person who takes me to appointments is away until 26th nov. I was told by atos to ring back today, the day the appointment was due to cancel & rebook. I've had to rebook the 12th nov, which is a waste of time as the person who takes me isnt around until the 26th.i forgot to ask to have it recorded & had to ring back. I'm so confused. I have a current report of injuries & x rays. Shall i send this off to atos or dwp, just to see if they will postpone to a date i can make? Is there any letter i can get from my gp so as i dont have to attend this stressful farce. I really dont know what i,m doing at the minute.