HCB are experts in disability assessment, which enables us to take an objective view to the assessment of applications for Ill Health Early Retirement. Our service is designed to determine if the applicant meets the scheme definition for ill health early retirement using a systematic and evidence based process. Our service has been praised by employers and trustees for its objectivity and evidence based reporting, which is refreshing different to other occupational health led services. This is particularly important in what is often an area where disputes may arise.

The fundamental distinction with our service is that we use a Claims Management approach, which has been developed from undertaking Permanent & Total Disability case reviews for UK leading insurers. Assessments are undertaken by expert Disability Claims Assessors supported by our Medical Officers, a Consultant Physician, and a GP with the Diploma in Disability Assessment.

Our assessment requires a different mindset from clinical medicine which uses evaluation of a patient, a diagnosis and a treatment plan.

Our approach:

   ·            Collect all information available
   ·            Evaluate if there is an impairment
   ·            Define the impairment
   ·            Determine any restrictions/limitations arise from the impairment
   ·            Issue a conclusion as to the functional capacity of the individual in relation
           to the scheme definition.

Whilst diagnosis does not equal disability, it is also true that the lack of a diagnosis does not mean lack of disability.
Restrictions are things that a person should not do because it will put them or others at risk. That is, delay healing, cause a recurrence of an injury or illness or endanger others. A limitation is something a person cannot physically perform due to actual loss of function. Limitations should be measurable, whereas restrictions are not measurable.
The applicant's Functional Capacity is then used to determine what level of work they can do (if any) to assess whether the applicant meets the scheme definition.

On completion of the assessment (Diagnosis, Impairment, Restrictions/Limitations, Functional Capacity), HCB will provide the Employer and/or the Trustees with a recommendation and a 'plain English' explanation of how the recommendation has been reached.

Health Claims Bureau (HCB) has provided services to the financial services industry since 1984 offering a wide range of products including data verification, tracing and investigating disability claims for major insurance companies. More recently this has evolved into an Ill Health Early Retirement Assessment Service for Employers and Trustees.