§ Mr. BreedTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to require doctors to produce evidence that is typed instead of handwritten in hearings of appeals of disability claims to the tribunal service. [38334]
§ Maria Eagle[holding answer 28 February 2002]Medical Services are aware of problems with the legibility of some doctors' handwriting. They are currently developing a computer supported system for use in Personal Capability Assessments produced in examination centres which will generate typed reports, underpinned by the principles of an evidence-based medicine approach to the assessment.
Medical reports for disability living allowance and attendance allowance are undertaken in the claimant's home. Computer generated reports in these circumstances are not a feasible option at present. The Department is undertaking a review of the current report form and will ensure that the format of the new report assists in legible completion. Where a decision-maker is unable to read a report it is returned to Medical Services for clarification.