The MD assessment: prepared with confidence

What it comes down to

The assessment by the Medical Service (MD, Medizinischer Dienst) or Medicproof is a snapshot. Six areas of life are assessed – from mobility and cognitive abilities to how you organise your daily life.

The six modules

• Mobility
• Cognitive and communication abilities
• Behaviour and mental health problems
• Self-care
• Coping with demands caused by illness and therapy
• Organising everyday life and social contacts

Five tips for the appointment

1. Show your daily life realistically – not your best day.
2. Have the care diary and medical reports ready.
3. Make sure someone you trust is there.
4. Talk about help needed at night and about psychological strain too.
5. Do not hold anything back out of embarrassment – every limitation counts.

I am happy to go through the appointment with you beforehand and accompany you, so that you feel confident.

A realistic picture instead of a perfect home

The appointment is not an exam that you need to practise for. Show how your daily life really looks. If some things only work with reminders, guidance or supervision, say so. Also describe the differences between good and difficult days, without exaggerating or playing down the situation.

Involve the person accompanying you in a helpful way

Someone who knows your daily life well can add details you have forgotten and help with follow-up questions. Discuss beforehand which topics matter to you and what you would like to say yourself. The wishes of the person being assessed remain at the centre. If possible, report any special communication needs to the responsible body before the appointment.

Note down your questions after the appointment

Write down which topics were discussed and whether documents are to be submitted later. Note any open questions as soon as possible. Once the decision notice (Bescheid) and the assessment report (Gutachten) arrive, you can compare the findings with your own observations. If anything is unclear, an organised list with concrete examples helps; advice can make it easier to go through it together.