Just like being on a Merry-Go-Round Fibromyalgia vs PIP

[Collie-Dog]

Last week, I requested up to date medical evidence concerning the recent diagnosis of Fibromyalgia, from my GP, who has informed me this morning that this request has to come from the DWP. So I contacted the DWP who stated it is the assessor who has to request medical evidence of support, so I telephoned IAS to be told the request has to come from the DWP to the assessor, (IAS, ATOS). So I telephoned the DWP again to be told the onus is on the claimant to provide medical evidence, as it is to support the claimant!

Surely this should provide the evidence of the truth, not supporting 'one side or another'? The GP is not allowed to charge for these letters now to the patient?

Very conflicting messages and me stuck in the middle!

To ‘add insult to injury’, at a hospital consultancy this morning, the consultant told me that he is not allowed to provide a letter supporting my conditions for the DWP. (We are not allowed to get involved” he said).

Finally to access MY medical records I need to fill in a form and access them “On Line”. 'I have set the wheels in motion' but everything seems geared to obstructing the claimant, and takes so long! with the DWP 'throwing' time limits at me throughout.

In one morning the DWP gave me 3 conflicting date-limits, I am not giving up no matter what happens, 'Daniel Blake come back, all is forgiven'

[Bananas5]

Usually you fill in GP's details or other healthcare professional who has been treating you...then it is up to whoever does your assessment to contact them.

If perchance you do have some paper work from consultant or whoever then attach to PIP forms as extra information.

I think the figures for them contacting GP are very low. And they rarely read anything you do send. Mostly it is based on what you put in your form and what you tell them at f2f

x

[Collie-Dog in reply to Bananas5]

I agree 100% and did detail the medical people caring for me on the fill-in-book at the start but this is extra medical evidence proving I cannot manage tasks and left me going round in circles, as being passed from one to another with no result at the end, (Still buzzing!). XXXXX

[Bananas5 in reply to Collie-Dog]

The medical evidence isn't really important with PIP. It is how you manage 'normal' every day tasks.

As such I wouldn't worry about trying to get more evidence. DWP will shout if they need it. More doesn't mean you will have a better chance.

x

[Rose54]

Hi

Bananas5 is correct thay very rarely contact your GP for further evidence as it costs them money.

Also GP or consultants are unable to state how your Health condition effects you as thay do not see you doing day to day tasks .

GPs are able to charge for any letters you request from them or for forms thay complete for you,

If you have a Support Worker ,Social Worker, Care Manger or anyone like that ask them to complete any other information as thay are the most likely person to be contacted by phone if thay need further info.

Good luck

[Treewade]

I had same ting GP just refused saying if DWP want evidence they ll get in touch although I won my appeal I am thinking of paying the 50 quid for a full copy of my medical notes and paying private for a full scan just so I have all the evidence for next time. I wish I could just go private

[pip76 in reply to Treewade]

That's exactly how I feel. X

[Collie-Dog]

Thank you Treewade, I have been told they cannot charge now because of the new privacy/freedom of information legislation, so today I had to fill a form in requesting I could view my records online. In case this is universal, check with your surgery before paying all that money for copies of your records. Pleased you won your appeal, it is true, following such horrendous and harrowing experiences with the DWP 'fight', it is understandable that we look well ahead to the next time.

[Tisme1]

If you can, always ask at hospital appointments to be copied into any correspondence, I have my face to face on the 9th. I have even had to request the access ramp be available, you'd think it would be standard! Feeling terrified.

[Flori14 in reply to Tisme1]

You shouldn’t go and request home visit. I do. I could not possibly make any forward planned dates. Hope all goes well

[Tisme1 in reply to Flori14]

We requested a home visit and were refused, only available for agoraphobia! Apparently we are in an Atos area whereas Capita do mostly home visit. No luck.

[Al10]

Yes all that misinformation sounds about right. Nonsense isn't it? Designed to drive you from your wits no doubt. Pip should ask if they decide they need it. Meanwhile keep all letters. If consultant saw you the they should write to GP and copy you in, maybe. Letter should show on your records online anyway. Try not to let system get to you. Likely they will refuse you and it will be a process to get what u R entitled to. It's designed that way to put folks off.

[Collie-Dog in reply to Al10]

Thanks for taking the trouble to reply, I will not give up! XXX

[Tisme1]

Yes, powerchair.

[Collie-Dog]

Thank you, hope you are bearing up. XXXXX

[Tisme1]

It's a nightmare, my husband has Asperger's so badly affected by stress, therefore supporting me through pip is having an awful affect on him.

[Collie-Dog in reply to Tisme1]

Hope everything sorts itself out for you too. Good luck.

[Collie-Dog]

Thank you Ajay575 I am so pleased I joined this group