The conversation that IV expert Henning Mast had with Martin H.* in 2013 lasted just 36 minutes. Mast was to assess the man’s ability to work and draw up an IV report. After a little more than half an hour, the psychiatrist was certain that Martin H.* was actually healthy and able to work.
However, as the “Aargauer Zeitung” writes, the report was incorrect. This is evidenced by a secret recording of the conversation that H. made. The person concerned took sleeping pills, but this was not mentioned in the report. Instead, the psychiatrist noted that the man could sleep through the night. In addition, two tests were listed in the bill that were never carried out. In addition, Mast charged 120 minutes of talk time.
Appraiser rejects allegations
The report ended fatally for Martin H.: The daily allowance fund stopped making payments to him. H. then filed a complaint against doctor Henning Mast’s company PMEDA. And apparently it’s not the only case. According to the “Aargauer Zeitung”, at least five criminal proceedings are ongoing against PMEDA. The exact number is unclear. Nevertheless, the company can continue to prepare reports.
The expert concerned, Henning Mast, rejects the allegations. All appraisal institutes would be “periodically” criticized, especially if the insured would receive no or an allegedly too low pension. The Federal Supreme Court has already passed “around 100 judgments” on PMEDA reports and found “no deficiencies”.
In addition, a criminal complaint can be filed “at any time by anyone”. Therefore, filing a criminal complaint alone does not lead to any consequences.
New federal practice
Criminal proceedings against IV experts are extremely rare. According to the “AZ”, many procedures are so long that certain allegations become statute-barred.
The federal government now wants to address the issue. Starting this year, a commission is to monitor the approval of experts. In addition, the expert interviews should be recorded. Whether and to what extent this practice helps remains to be seen. (zis)