Surprise visit from DWP doctor yesterday, only received letter last Saturday, is it normal for them to turn up without an appointment?

[poppy1]

Feel like I've been really pulled around today, after examination, should knock today to see how I'm suffering, is it worth it?

[rosehip]

no they have to tell you they are coming , they were trying to catch you out x

[poppy1]

Ah, that's what I thought, my husband has changed his work shifts to help me lunch time, so he answered the door anyway, everything was in order meds etc, only thing that annoyed me was, I have a deaf dog who I had to put in the garden for an hour, if I'd have known, she would have gone to my mum and not had to tolerate her barking through the whole examination, very sneaky of them, but nothing to hide so can knock whenever. Really sore today though and suffering with my back due to his 'little tests' ouch, thanks rose hip, didn't think I was being paranoid lol xxx

[Hidden]

I think saddly they have the right to check up on you. it feels unfair but if you think of all the people who dont need to clame and do and with fms the really wonderful condition that everyone understands ..

hope you are looking after your self gentle dyslexic hugs

[poppy1]

Thanks Lexie, that's very true, just makes it a nightmare for the genuine cases though, well I've done all I can now, just wait and see the outcome, very hard for people to explain pain in words, need to bring out a mobile pain detector, then maybe they'd understand how we feel, have a lovely weekend Justine xx

[Hidden]

Sorry but I think this is just so wrong , on 2 levels.

Firstly what if you'd been out.. at the doctor's or hospital, or stuck in bed with nobody else home and unable to answer the door ? Would you then have been labelled a fraud ?

Secondly I was reading last week that it's costing an absolute fortune to send these medics out to people's houses , and the DWP are checking far more people now . What a ridiculous waste of money if they don't even check the person is going to be there and able to answer the door before turning up !

There is no way I'd let ANYONE I didn't know in if I was alone in the house . I guess I'd be labelled a fraud too .

[poppy1]

Thanks HelenUk1963, I think you are spot on with your comments, this has happened to me, when my back has gone into such a severe spasm and I have been helpless, until phoning mum or husband. No way would I be tackling the stairs to answer the door....

Luckily I was downstairs and my husband answered, making sure all the correct ID was produced, however, I still think this was unacceptable and as you say wasting time and money that could be used to fund honest claimants.

It really concerned me the fact I could have been a single, vulnerable person and he could have been a bogus caller and as we know anyone can make a little name badge. Fortunately he didn't cross my threshold until he had every detail correct of the claim, however if I'd been alone I'm afraid my claim would have been nul and void as apparently, if you are deemed 'unavailable' for your assessment then this can affect your claim. Unbelievable unless fibro sufferers are now psychic and able to determine the date and time of our visit,without a phone call, sneaky and underhanded, yet if I complain wonder I my paper work will go walk about....very naughty, hugs Justine xx

[Hidden]

I found this information which I hope will be helpful for you all -

"If the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) decides they want a report from one of their Doctor's (known as an Examining Medical Practitioner or EMP) you should be notified in advance of the time and date of the examination and the name of the visiting doctor

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) guidelines say 10 days notice in writing should be given.

If the doctor turns up unannounced, or at too short notice for you to arrange for someone to be with you, you are entitled to refuse to see them until an appointment has been made. In certain circumstances you have the right to request that a different doctor from the one named visit you."

[poppy1]

Thanks LibbyDe, that information is extremely useful, I wish I'd known these facts before the doctor turned up, I feel like ringing and complaining however I feel it may be too late and may rock the boat. If my final decision for DLA is refused though, I may use this information to my advantage, as I had no time to prepare for visit, a mental dog in toe, which was completely unnecessary, I couldn't concentrate properly on questions, only good thing was my husband helped with retrieving docs and prescriptions from draws and cupboards allowing me to sit and try and communicate my side of things . This was definitely deliberate though, to catch me off guard,doubt if they will stop these tactics until there is an accident and they only take note of conditions and guide lines which are favourable to them. Be grateful if anyone thinks I should complain before my decision though, love to all Justine xxx

[Hidden]

I think I'd be inclined to wait and see what happens first Justine . They will probably say they sent a letter and it must have been " lost in the post " . Hmmmm that's a favourite trick of theirs .

If you're awarded your benefit then all well and good, if not then I'd say it's definitely worth putting in a complaint .

xx

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I agree Helen, in my opinion that's the best thing to do.

Best of luck Poppy!

[poppy1]

Thanks Helen, I think I will wait for my decision and keep that one up my sleeve just in case I need to argue my claim, shame everything is so twisted though, especially when we've got enough to deal with, hugs Justine xx

[poppy1]

Thanks LibbyDe the advice means a lot xxx

[goldwing]

I'd wait for the outcome. A friend of mine had one and she received a letter with a number that she had to ring and arrange an appointment with the doctor. He rang the day before to check, and it was a Sunday morning when he came. This was a couple of years ago so rules may have changed now with the new system. Still wrong to just turn up though. Hope everything turns out ok for you !!

[poppy1]

Aw thanks Golding, that's lovely of you, keeping fingers crossed xx

[FionaP]

Hi Poppy

I would definitely complain.

Their doctors have guidelines on examining Fibro patients and should not be doing the ones that leave you in pain at a later time. They have to take our word for that as they never examine you a day or so later to confirm the effects of their examination.

If you feel any parts of the examination was not necessary to prove/disprove the level of your condition and only served to cause distress or pain you should note as well.

They also put you in the position of having to distress your pet.

If you can manage it is a good idea to make a note of the whole meeting while it is fresh in your mind. Just in case you need it.

Check their examination guidelines on DWP. gov.uk

Best of luck for the outcome. Fi x