GP Letter For ESA Appeal

LOL! Interesting points, thank you Dave. I have my entire medical history so have plenty of examples of letters from GPs, specialists and the like. Trust me, they all use different terms. In fact, actual medical notes are the real eye openers. It’s not until you see what your GP actually writes about you after every consultation that you realise just how little respect some GPs have of for general population.

Actually, my current GP is the most “human” GP I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. Had to move surgeries to find him though! I am sure he will choose to use his own terminology if he wishes. I was just trying to put forward ideas to discuss with him on Friday. I have also supplied him with copies of the descriptors and the summary from the assessor so he can see how the assessor’s “opinion” has pushed me out of the SG into WRAG, despite scoring top points on walking and rising. He knows nothing about ESA and the appeals so wrote him an overview of that also so he understands why it will be so detrimental to my health to be forced to attend work interviews and carry out work activities. I can only hope this does the trick and he’ll agree to write a letter along the lines I have suggested. I’m keeping everything crossed.

I think my main concern was that I have read on various forums about medical opinions outside of ATOS being rejected if a decision maker or tribunal feel that the writer has been coerced by the appellant. The fact that I have suggested my GP actually mentions work related activity and Support Group in the letter clearly shows that it has been written in defence of my appeal. Does that matter?

RatRoom wrote:

I spoke to him on the phone last night and he asked me to draft what I wanted put in the letter!

That is absolutely amazing!

I can't imagine my doctor allowing me to even draft a letter for him.

You might consider charging him £20 for cutting out his work.

Hi Ratroom,

If I was seeking support from my GP for DLA or ESA, I would do this by asking my GP to address specific areas relating to my health.

I would draft a covering letter to the GP simply explaining what has happen. I would attach a questionare to the letter for the GP to give an opinion on and at each question, I would have 2 boxes for the GP to tick, one agree and the other disagree and I would then invite the GP to put in any additional comments they wish to make.

I definatly would not type out a letter for my GP to sign, this could be seen by DWP as the GP being pressurized into writing what the patient wants. It may then not be considered as an impartial or unbiased report.

Kathy

Hi Kathy

As RatRoom has been asked by her GP to draft a letter, I was under the impression that RatRoom will only be drafting the letter and that the doctor, after accepting or amending the draft, or writing his own letter from the information provided, will write the letter in his name.

I like your idea of giving a GP a questionnaire to fill in. I don't know of anybody who has done this, but I think it would be a very valid piece of evidence. This is what the DWP do when they contact GPs for information about a claimant, and it's usually inadequate. I see no reason why a claimant should not be able to do it.

Regards

Derek

Hi Kathy,

Thanks for your advice, but Derek is right. I have only drafted a suggested letter and the GP will type it on his own letterhead and sign it. I have addressed every aspect of my health as it applies to each descriptor that relates to my condition and have provided my GP with all the info he needs to understand how the process works.

My question here was whether or not, by the GP referring to aspects of my ESA – ie: by stating he believes I should be in the Support Group, would be construed as me having coerced him.

I personally don’t see why this would be the case as it is perfectly reasonable for a patient to discuss their ESA with their GP, so why should a GP not give his or her opinion on their patients suitability for a particular group.

I was just wondering if any else had experience of this or knew how a decision maker may view it.

Hi RatRooom
I haven't had to ask my GP for letters in support of my ESA claims so far. When I first applied for ESA a year ago I gave my GP a copy of my completed ESA50 including 16 pages of typed additional information. As it happened she wasn't asked for a report & I was placed in the WRAG. I'm expecting a recall for renewal & will do exactly the same as before.
My GP has written lots of letters for me in the past 2 years for use with my employer after they sacked me on ill health grounds 18 months ago & with my employment tribunal claims which are still rumbling on. Thankfully she has never charged me for these although technically she probably should.
For the more detailed letters I have usually given her an outline of what needs to be covered, she then prepares a draft & calls me in to read it & discuss & agree any changes before I get to see & agree the final version. I have an excellent GP, but she does not allow herself to to be taken advantage of & she has only ever written & signed a letter putting any specific wording into language she would use & that she is comfortable with. So far, we have had no major disagreements & the letters hav served their purpose. I am just hoping the latest report she has been asked to complete by my ex employer will persuade them to release my pension!!
Best wishes
maggie