Insurance Physician Assessment in Zoetermeer
As a resident of Zoetermeer, the insurance physician assessment involves a medical examination by the UWV insurance physician. This determines how illness or limitations affect your labor market opportunities, which is essential for benefits such as WIA, Sickness Benefits Act or Unemployment Act. Learn about the process, your rights and preparation tips, with local support via Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer.
What does an insurance physician assessment entail?
The UWV insurance physician (VA) analyzes your health during the insurance physician assessment and what you can still manage despite your complaints. It is not treatment, but a neutral assessment based on your own account, your file and a basic physical examination. For Zoetermeer residents, this is standard for UWV applications for social security benefits, such as WIA, Sickness Benefits Act or Unemployment Act in cases of work disability. The conclusion determines your benefit amount, for example 35-65% or more.
Legal basis for the insurance physician assessment
This assessment is founded on the SUWI Act and benefits acts:
- WIA (arts. 38, 40): VA confirms illness/disability and limitations via the Functional Capacity List (FML).
- Sickness Benefits Act (art. 19): Check for work limitations due to illness.
- Unemployment Act (art. 18): Medical review in case of illness.
The FML, with 28 questions on physical, mental and social functioning, follows UWV guidelines and medical standards. It provides input for the labor expert.
Steps in the UWV assessment process
This is how it works for applicants from Zoetermeer:
- Application to UWV: Start your benefits claim online or by phone.
- Invitation: Within 6-8 weeks, an appointment—often digital via video from home.
- Interview: 20-45 minutes on symptoms, daily life, work and therapy.
- Physical examination: Simple checks like bending or grip strength.
- Decision: Ruling within 8 weeks; request the FML.
Feel free to bring a companion and send files ahead.
Rights and obligations at the assessment
Rights:
- Access to your file and ability to add information.
- Bring a companion or interpreter.
- Objection within 6 weeks; get advice from Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer or proceed to Zoetermeer District Court (WIA objection info).
- Data protected under GDPR.
Obligations:
- Attend on time, or face rejection.
- Provide full cooperation; otherwise sanctions apply.
- Give accurate answers; fraud is severely penalized.
Practical examples from the region
Example 1: Back pain
Jan from Zoetermeer (45) with hernia issues. VA asks: "Can you stand for 1 hour? Lift 5 kg?" Jan explains during odd jobs. FML records lifting limits, resulting in 65% WIA.
Example 2: Burn-out
Marieke (32) with depression. VA assesses stress and contact tolerance. Limitations lead to 80% benefit.
Example 3: Reassessment
Piet with migraines; initially no limitations. Objection with scans via Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer reverses it.
Difference between insurance physician and labor expert
| Aspect | Insurance Physician | Labor Expert |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Medical limits (FML) | Estimate residual earnings |
| Focus | Well-being and capabilities | Job options and earnings |
| Result | FML | Degree of disability |
FAQ on insurance physician assessment
Always a physical exam?
Not always; with strong files or vulnerability, sometimes just an interview. Prepare accordingly.
Miss the appointment?
Contact UWV for rescheduling. No excuse means rejection.
Involve your GP?
Yes, submit reports; VA takes them into account.
Waiting time after assessment?
Standard 8 weeks; expedited in urgent cases.
Tips for successful preparation in Zoetermeer
Optimize with:
- Document: List complaints, medications, daily challenges. Bring paperwork.
- Be specific: "Max 30 min walking without pain, then need rest."
- Local support: Check Municipality of Zoetermeer for assistance or Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer for free advice.
- Practice: Be honest and detailed about limitations.