Doctors letter

[Danlos166]

Has anyone had trouble getting a doctors letter when submitting their Pip appeal? I’m finding mine really unhelpful. It’s so frustrating because without medical evidence it’s only my word

[Dizzytwo Moderator]

Hi there, from my own personal experience doctors only provide information if they are requested by the DWP/tribunal.

Has for you getting your medical information. There is nothing to stop you asking in writing to your surgery for copies. Just state dates and what you would like copies of. Blood tests, Xrays or specialist reports. You may have to pay for these I'm not sure. I did not have to pay.

Momo

[Danlos166 in reply to Dizzytwo]

Thank you for replying. Yes that is maybe what I will have to do. I just hope they are more detailed then the online notes you can look at through your surgery.

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Our surgery will provide a print out that covers details of diagnosis and medication, but other than that will not provide a letter of support etc.

[rosewine]

My new doctor was sympathetic and said he used to be happy to support patients with a letter when it was DLA as he felt they took notice of it. He felt since it moved to PIP that whatever he put had no real influence so he only now does anything if he is requested to by the DWP. I printed the list of illnesses off my Patients Access page and my acupuncturist gave me a supporting letter. I also outlined treatments and medication I had tried but had failed to help to show I had been proactive in my treatment. Good luck with it.x

[Dinkie]

If you only have basic notes from Doctors then get friend/neighbour/colleagues or relatives to write a letter to say how your illnesses affect you. After all it’s not the conditions themselves but how they affect your life that will get you the points. Good luck.

[releasethemagic]

You should ask for a full copy of your medical records. You can also get copies of all letters sent by hospital consultants, radiologists etc to your GP by asking the hospital for all of their records. If you have a blue badge, use that as evidence too. If you are on ESA, get a copy of the assessor’s report from DWP. You can also ask Social Services to do an assessment of your needs and use that as evidence. They may agree to install handrails and other adaptations for you.

Use the Guide to challenging an assessor’s report for your appeal submission. You will find it here healthunlocked.com/fibromya...

[Farmerboy in reply to releasethemagic]

For people being diagnosed with a long term disability, illness ect then they the claimant should be keeping all their medical notes, letters diagnosis reports ect in a safe place. A large folder with organisers to retrieve when needed. I personally have two large and two smaller ones. Containing all relevant papers to PIP, ESA, Hospital reports letters and test results. This applies to those people about to have a review of their PIP award keeping on top of the paper work makes a change of circumstances or review a lot stressful

[Hidden]

You can obtain copies of your medical records free of charge -have to submit an SAR -subject access request(i think) but any gp letter would have to be paid for,I obtained a letter from my care manager.

[Farmerboy]

Hello, I have mentioned this before on many other posts, we get letters, correspondence from the hospital, consultants ect that are evidence of our diagnosis, treatments, tests given under taken and results ect. It up to you I and every one to keep these for future reference. Excepting your GP to write a supping letter on how your conditions, diagnosis effects you on a daily basis is a nonsense as he dose not live with you and knows your personal circumstances only what you tell him or her. Yes will have an idea of a person with your conditions can cope, manage but we are different in how we cope mange our illnesses on a daily basis. So please keep all relevant information safe and regularly update it.

[Jasharper]

Hi I did mine with CAB they are very experienced in filling out the form

Basically you have to think. This is your very worst day

Eg can you make a cup of tea?. At your worst day no would say no because you might not even be able to get out of bed..

Beware take a copy of what you have filled out or pic so you have something to refer back to.

I would suggest you go to Citizens advise

Hope this helps.

James

[Hidden]

Hi my Doctor did me a letter for which they charged me £20, in support of PIP claim. This was 3 years ago so unsure whether the doctors have stopped doing them, you could always ask. Good luck.x

[Blue1927]

Hi, my Doctor said she would only write a letter at tribunal or if asked by the DWP. Have you looked at the Benefits and Work website. They provide excellent information and guidance for filling out the forms. You do have to pay (I think it was just under £20), but well worth it. Good luck with it x

[Omegadeep]

Use GP online services and download your gp file showing when you visited and why. Always keep a file with all your hospital letters and appointment too.

[Danlos166 in reply to Omegadeep]

Thank you everyone for your comments.

I have finally managed to speak to my doctor and although they cannot write a private letter at this time. They have forwarded me a list of my illnesses and any treatment I am awaiting. So hopefully this will be enough.

[Hidden]

I asked my GP if he would support my application, before I put in my application. I then provided my GP's contact details on the form. I left it to them to contact my GP. Also having ME and arthritis, I did the same with my physiotherapist and ME nurse. No letters were provided. I left it all for the assessors to deal with. I hope this helps. Good luck.

[fightingfatigue]

Hi Danlos166

Yes I have. The doctors receptionist kept assuring me for about 2 years, that the doctor will not issue me with a letter. Eventually I found out that they do but for a fee. Mine was £40. I don’t think they like to mention money. Can’t tell you how annoyed I was with the receptionist. Maybe if you ask how much a letter costs? It made a whole lot of difference to my life and I can continue to use it for anything else that needs proof of my illness. Hope this helps.

Good luck!

[Julesubu]

I had to pay £40 but they forgot to mention my Gp webt on mat leave during lockdown. Some doc I never met wrote completely wrong diagnosis so got my money back and new letter. Just pop down what you would like them to include and e mail to surgery if you can. Good luck.