Can any one plz tell me is it possible for me to get a copy of health record to help with my ESA appeal and do u have to pay?

[bec29]

[tulips123]

I did this some years ago, memory might not be totally accurate but:

I applied to records office of local health authority, cost I think at the time was less than £20, they have a legal duty to release within a set amount of working days. This is a long process because they have a legal responsibility to write to all doctors that have contributed to ask for their agreement. Unlikely I think that they would refuse, but worse case scenario if they did the records belong to you and only exceptional circumstances would you be denied.

The thing that would concern me is the time available to you. Perhaps worth talking to Citizens Advice. I do hope it works out well for you. xx

[Hidden]

You are legally entitled to a copy of your medical report. Send a letter recorded delivery. I am not aware of any charges. I am quite certain it is free.

[fibro in reply to Hidden]

It isn't free, any request under the Data Protection Act /Freedom of information is Minimum £10. And. Max £50

ico.org.uk/Global/faqs/pers...

[Hidden in reply to fibro]

A copy of your assessment with the DWP or atos, is free and you are legally entitled to a copy. A medical report from your doctor, you might be charged for. It depends on your doctor.

[aveburystone]

I called my GP regarding a medical report for my wife, he politely informed me there was an interesting letter or two....great ! I called again to receptionist who advised me of £50 fee and to photocopy letters etc was an additional charge.

I would recommend that every time you see a Consultant or specialist nurse or O/T or Physio that you request them to "copy " you in to letters to your GP, and their is no fee.

Good luck

[fibro in reply to aveburystone]

I do exactly this nowadays, but. Needed all my old records too. That cost £50 I was told by the office of information who deal with freedom of information requests, that the maximum you can be charged is £50, apart from any additional for postage. But if you or someone n your behalf collects the documents or you they can't charge for postage, they may just ask the collector for ID..

ico.org.uk/for_the_public/p...

Hope that helps xx

[LaurieLee]

I think different surgeries have different prices. My GP gave me copies free whilst I was in with her, but had to fill in form for stuff that was on paper not computerised, give advance notice. I pad £10.00 plus 10p per copy. Trouble is you really need to know what you want. I was lucky my GP gave me permission to go thru copies myself and choose those I wanted to copy. There was stuff there I had forgotten about which was very useful. I am sure with that plus using Benefit and Work guides helped me to be put in ESA Support GRoup. Good luck.

[ladyblue44]

The max charge is £50.00 but you can request to go see your records with no charge, if you need copies you do have that to pay for, if you have a iphone u could take copies on that otherwise you would have to pay for the Secretary's time for photocopying them, paper and ink.. hope that helps

regards

LB44

[bec29 in reply to ladyblue44]

yes its does help thank you,could you tell me do i ask my doc about this?

[Sharolina]

I asked my doctor and psychiatrist, if either of them had been contacted by DWP or DLA for further information, and was told by both that they had not been. So I explained my situation, and said that they were basing their decisions on old information, which was no longer accurate.

My psychiatrist, was brilliant did a l letter within two days- no charge; and the same applied to my doctor. Both were very sympathetic to my needs and the additional stress and pain, that I was going through. My psychies letter definitely helped to win my ESA appeal, and both letters, as well as my condition at the time of tribunal, helped me win my DLA appeal as well.

If there is a charge, I would recommend, that you send your bill on to the relevant department, with a letter, asking for reimbursement, because they should have done it in the first place. If you have an appeal date already, sent a copy of the letter and bill to them as reference.

[Sharolina]

Further to that, I could read thee report that my medical examiner had written, so I wrote back to the DLA, asking for someone to type the report, so that I could fully understand it. They did, and the Tribunal panel. even commented on the fact that I was successful getting it, and they don`t.

[fibro]

Current medical letters from hospitals etc your GP will usually give you copies of, but if they are more than a few months old or you want all your medical notes, just viewing them is free but you have to pay for copies. You should make your request in writing to your GP and contact the practice manager to view, or to have copies of everything, you must put the request in writing to your GP.

There is a max charge of £50 (minimum £10). If you want them sent out to you, you have to pay for registered/recorded post on top. If you can't collect in person you should also give them written details of who will collect them for you. that person may also be asked to provide ID.

All surgeries work slightly different, but the main aspects under the Data Protection Act / Freedom of Information Acts are the same.

Hope that helps xx

[fibro in reply to fibro]

ico.org.uk/Global/faqs/pers...

[bec29 in reply to fibro]

thank you xx

[fibro in reply to bec29]

You are very welcome, only had all the info in my head as I recently got mine too xx

[ellie172825]

I know when I worked in the Hospital, only after a long legal process, could see your hospital notes, and apparently if there was anything that would be detrimental to a patient's well being or mental health, you were denied access to the notes, I assume it will be different rules and regulations now.

[pondminstrel]

hi,in all my many folders of forms i have my medical records..i never asked for them so can only deduce that DWP or ATOS asked for them..so have a good look through your files and i hope you find them..if you cant you can get them from your doctor,i wouldnt think you have to pay as we are entitled to see our medical records..x