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Dept of Social Security

Answer

Mr. Stunell: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what arrangements he has made with Sema to ensure doctors making medical examinations are given reports on (a) appeal outcomes and (b) grading of their medical reports; and if he will make a statement. [153575] Mr. Bayley: In response to the recommendations of the Social Security Select Committee (SSSC) in its report on Medical Services, the Department of Social Security's Chief Medical Adviser and the President of the Appeals Service are establishing a formal process for feedback on the quality standards of medical reports in appeal cases. Interim arrangements for feedback have been in place since July 2000 and five cases have so far been referred. All cases referred to the Chief Medical Adviser are forwarded to Sema for information, further investigation and remedial action with the doctor concerned, if appropriate. Sema Medical Services monitor the quality standards of medical reports of all their doctors on a rolling programme, to volumes which are statistically significant over a three-month rolling period. The outcome of monitoring is recorded, and feedback given to each individual doctor on his or her performance. Where this has fallen below the standard expected, the doctor is given appropriate advice by an experienced full-time colleague; if necessary, arrangements are made for remedial training.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

153575; 365 c343W

Session

2000-01

Subjects

Disability Disclosure of information Appeals Doctors Medical examinations Social security benefits Standards Sema Group

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk