DWP has updated the fee payable to Healthcare Professionals for PIP GP (Factual report).
DWP confirms October change for PIP medical evidence used to prove claims
The Department for Work and Pensions has announced a change over the medical evidence used to prove Personal Independence Payment claims. The DWP has updated the fee payable to Healthcare Professionals for PIP GP (Factual report).
It has also confirmed references to forms ESA50 and UC50 have been replaced with the new form WCA50 on the DWP website. Reports for patients claiming PIP may be requested by the DWP where the Assessment Provider believes that further evidence will help inform their advice to the department.
The assessment for PIP considers the claimant’s ability to carry out a series of everyday activities. The relevant activities are everything from preparing food and taking nutrition to managing therapy or monitoring a health condition.
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It also includes washing and bathing, managing toilet needs or incontinence and dressing and undressing as well as communicating verbally, reading and understanding signs, symbols and words and engaging with other people face to face.
The activities and tasks also extend to making budgeting decisions, planning and following journeys and also moving around.
The completed report should be returned within 5 working days from the date of receipt, DWP guidance on its website stipulates.
In an update on Thursday, October 1, the DWP said: “It is acceptable for GPs to delegate completion of the ESA113, FRR2, PIP or DLA/AA factual report to your practice nurse.
“No fee is payable to NHS doctors working in hospital for completion of PIP or DLA/AA factual reports.
“MacMillan nurses, Nurse Specialists and practice nurses can complete the DS1500 and SR1, but only GPs and GMC registered consultants may claim a fee.”
The guidance is for healthcare professionals who complete medical reports for the DWP or one of its assessment providers.
The subjects include factual reports for PIP, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance (AA).
The DWP said: “DWP decision makers use medical reports to help them make decisions on benefit entitlement. Medical reports may also be used in appeals against benefit decisions.”