The Independent Medical Assessment

Members often have a number of questions about the Independent Medical Assessment. The following list contains some of them. If you would like the answer to one of these questions, click on the one that interests you.

• Who is Health Management Limited?

  The Trustee of the ZF UK Pension Plan has appointed Health Management Limited to act as its independent medical adviser and it will review all ill-health early retirement applications.

• If Health Management Limited wishes me to attend a consultation, where will this be held and how long will it take?

  Health Management Limited has a network of centres throughout the UK.

  Normally you will travel to the centre closest to you.

  The consultation will take approximately 45 minutes.

• Will I be paid travelling expenses?

  Yes. Travel from your home to the Health Management Limited medical centre will be reimbursed. You may claim standard rail, tram, bus and underground fares.

  Receipts in respect of public transport must be provided.

  If you travel by car, an allowance for mileage can be claimed. The allowance per mile is dependent on the engine capacity of the car.

  You should contact the ZF UK Pension Plan administration team at Barnett Waddingham if you have any questions or require further information. You can do this by e-mailing them.

  All claims, together with relevant receipts, should be made in writing to the ZF UK Pension Plan administration team at Barnett Waddingham.

• Will Health Management Limited contact me directly to arrange a consultation?

  Yes. Health Management Limited will contact you in writing to arrange the examination. If you subsequently discover that you are unable to attend you must inform Health Management Limited immediately.

• Will I be seen by a doctor?

  Not necessarily. If all the medical evidence provided by the doctors and any specialists is in agreement on your condition, you will not be seen by an independent doctor.

  However, if there is any disagreement, or if you appeal against a decision, you will be seen by a doctor. He or she will be qualified in occupational health and will ask you questions about your medical condition and your illness. This may include questions about your family background, domestic situation and lifestyle. In addition, a detailed examination may be carried out to determine the degree of your illness and you could be asked to undergo special tests such as x-rays. You should not worry if the doctor does not examine you. Sometimes this is not necessary particularly in relation to certain illnesses.