INEM JOURNAL · MEDICAL EXPERT OPINIONS

Work capacity: diagnosis and functional assessment

A diagnosis alone does not answer every question about ability to work. The purpose, available records and requirements of the relevant procedure matter.

INEM editorial team · Editorial update: 13 September 2026 · General information, not an individual medical assessment.

Distinguish the concepts

ZUS distinguishes total and partial incapacity for work. Diagnosis, disability and incapacity for work should not be treated as interchangeable or transferred automatically between different assessment systems.

How should you frame the medical question?

Identify the intended recipient, assessment period and the issue in the evidence. Details of work demands can be provided later through the agreed channel. The initial enquiry needs only the purpose, deadline and preferred specialty.

The role of an independent opinion

INEM can coordinate a review of the evidence and answers to agreed medical questions. We do not award benefits. A private opinion does not replace a ZUS assessment or a competent authority’s decision and does not suspend appeal deadlines.

← All journal topics

Your question is not listed?

Medical expert opinions span many specialties and purposes. We assess your questions and expert availability individually.

Describe your enquiry