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difficulties about gp letter for home visit
piglet101
Member Posts: 29 Connected
Hello :-)
I always wanted to start of saying a mass 'good luck with your claims' to everyone, as it's so tough for everyone dealing with forms/assessments etc, so I'll do it now.
Rarely ask things, but it feels wise to do that at the moment, as I seem to be coming out of a mental health episode at the moment but am concerned about continuing to manage that. For the last 2-3 years home visits were automatic, for both ESA and PIP (am on enhanced daily living/mobility; mainly severe dissociation and chronic physical problems), but, after filling in the ESA form, I got a letter saying I must contact gp to get further information, in order to have a home visit.
Very challenging to use the phone, and, when talking to the gp, I got upset, but at least was able to stick to basic notes, in explaining I was sorry to bother gp but had been told need backup for home visit. He said the letter should be ready by the end of the day, and I could give the fax number and over-the-phone payment I offered when reception called me. Called up today, and the surgery don't take payment over the phone, and she's leaving a note for the doctor, to see what's happening, but said it could take a week to hear back.
Worried about if this doesn't come through, and if there's payment, as am only able to do that online/via phone (housebound/nobody who can take payment). Forces me into calling the ESA also. Last home visit had been positive, and, when was forced to call last year, they were good on the phone, but this letter was quite harsh ... 'unless we receive this information the assessment at Thornaby Centre will need to go ahead'. I cannot physically leave the house, and have not received an appointment to go to an assessment centre. I am thinking they could give me more time, but, if I can't make a payment or have access to a gp letter, am not sure what to do.
I always wanted to start of saying a mass 'good luck with your claims' to everyone, as it's so tough for everyone dealing with forms/assessments etc, so I'll do it now.
Rarely ask things, but it feels wise to do that at the moment, as I seem to be coming out of a mental health episode at the moment but am concerned about continuing to manage that. For the last 2-3 years home visits were automatic, for both ESA and PIP (am on enhanced daily living/mobility; mainly severe dissociation and chronic physical problems), but, after filling in the ESA form, I got a letter saying I must contact gp to get further information, in order to have a home visit.
Very challenging to use the phone, and, when talking to the gp, I got upset, but at least was able to stick to basic notes, in explaining I was sorry to bother gp but had been told need backup for home visit. He said the letter should be ready by the end of the day, and I could give the fax number and over-the-phone payment I offered when reception called me. Called up today, and the surgery don't take payment over the phone, and she's leaving a note for the doctor, to see what's happening, but said it could take a week to hear back.
Worried about if this doesn't come through, and if there's payment, as am only able to do that online/via phone (housebound/nobody who can take payment). Forces me into calling the ESA also. Last home visit had been positive, and, when was forced to call last year, they were good on the phone, but this letter was quite harsh ... 'unless we receive this information the assessment at Thornaby Centre will need to go ahead'. I cannot physically leave the house, and have not received an appointment to go to an assessment centre. I am thinking they could give me more time, but, if I can't make a payment or have access to a gp letter, am not sure what to do.
Replies
I would certainly recommend contacting the CAB for advice and feel sorry for you having problems with ESA. I myself had problems back when I started on ESA and am dreading having to justify going back on it now that the money Mum left me is running out. If they make it too difficult for me I shall probably end up homeless as I simply cannot cope with arguments and denials any more. I am sure you feel much the same.
TK
I can recall the last time a gp had normal genuine interest and made a real difference, about 9 years ago, and it was very sad when he had to retire due to breakdown/illness. Nowadays it seems patients are unfortunately invisible/unheard, and surgeries are more like a business. I've never had a home visit when requested; it switches to being a phone call, and random gp seems to have not read my records, all of which is very isolating and stressful. They can sometimes be polite, and thankfully antibiotics when vital, but eg unsafe things can be prescribed, in my experience, as mental health isn't considered, so you learn to not risk that, and certainly learn self-care and self-trust! At least there is prescription delivery, which I'm forever grateful for.
Yes, the deliberate re-traumatizing that forms and assessments do is awful, but never let homelessness even be in the equation; that definitely needs legal advice and active prevention, and to take more rest/care while doing the forms a little bit at a time.
No word from GP still, and the note must have been passed to the doctor early yesterday afternoon. I'm going to need to find something local eg the CAB and hope they're okay; unfortunately not a good time with local places years back, but it could be different now/new staff. Not looking forward to calling dwp, but all I can do is tell them I'm having a difficult time about gp letter and seeking advice/help.