Sources of evidence

Self-assessment is the prime source of evidence and in most cases the needs will be clear from the claim pack, but the claim pack should be checked to see who has completed it, and that it is an accurate and reliable description of their problems.

If the claim pack has been completed on behalf of the customer, by someone who has a good understanding of his or her needs, then it should provide good evidence.

Hospital Factual Report

In cases of acute and chronic kidney disorders, renal transplant and dialysis, a Consultant Nephrologist and a Specialist Renal Nurse would normally have been involved in the diagnosis, management and treatment of the individual. Indeed the absence of any documented history of a specialist consultation should raise doubts about the nature and/or severity of the given diagnosis. Hospital factual reports should therefore be obtained if required.

General Practitioner Factual report

The General Practitioner would normally have made the initial referral of the claimant to the Consultant, and would normally be aware of the results of tests, treatment and current medication. If there is no specialist health professional involvement, or if evidence cannot be obtained from them, then a factual report from the claimant’s own doctor would be more appropriate.

HCP Examination Report

A HCP Examination report would be likely to be necessary when the person claims significant disability (equivalent to a moderate or severe condition), but there is no supporting evidence from the GP or Hospital Specialist; if no corroborative evidence has been able to be obtained; or if it is the only means whereby the claimant’s needs can be clarified.

Medical Services

The Medical Services doctor may be asked to request relevant information such as test results from the GP or Hospital Consultant, and to interpret test results and other information.

Amended April 2008