§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what procedures she has introduced to conduct audits of the disability living allowance reviews and appeals in respect of particular medical examiners. [46292]
§ Mr. DenhamAll the doctors who complete medical examinations for the Benefits Agency Medical Services in connection with Disability Living Allowance reviews have their work subjected to regular audit. Random samples of statistically significant numbers of cases from the work of all doctors are examined for the quality of the history, examination findings and the opinions given, according to nationally determined standards. When the quality of the work of an individual doctor is questioned this will be subject to targeted audit and remedial action taken to remedy any deficiencies identified. Similarly, the work of newly appointed doctors is subject to targeted audit until the auditors are satisfied with the quality of work being produced.