Medical records and ESA/PIP

bluefox

Having gone through my medical record for both my GP and my mental health service records, I have to say I’m really upset. 

I’ve noticed that the GP’s don’t record what you tell them accurately and this has got worse in Covid-19 times. I’m beginning to wonder how this would affect my claims for both ESA and PIP?

Does the GP truly know how you’re affected at home? Because I’m starting to think my friends and family and partner need to write statements for them because the way I’m going I’ll end up in a box by the end of the year. 

What’s even more frustrating is that despite being in the mental health services since 2007, my diagnosis of anxiety and depression isn’t listed until 2021. Extremely bizarre since they’ve been receiving letters from the mental health services. 

People who know me on this forum know I overthink things, it’s probably part of my condition. I’m just feeling incredibly frustrated and low today. Last night I was crying my eyes out about how I’m going to get my life back on track. Counselling is bringing up very severe trauma memories for me. 

I just want to get better and get help. But I’m also feeling frustrated by inaccurate reporting and wondering whether this will reflect on my claims in the future. 

I have my diagnoses but it’s ridiculous. One doctor wrote how much more I had improved in my mental health but issued a fit note and yet, 4 days earlier I was talking to her about extreme suicidal thoughts. 

My mind is boggling. 

poppy123456

What makes you think it would affect your benefit claims? You don’t need medical evidence to be entitled to either of them. I think we’ve been through this on a previous thread of yours. 

If I were you then I would try not to think too far into the future and take each day as it comes.

bluefox

I don’t know. Tbh it makes me realise the catalogue of errors that my health professionals have made in making sure I’ve received the right treatment and care. 

I’m so frustrated. My friend is worried for me because I’m hitting an all time low. And just reading through the stuff makes me annoyed. The pandemic has been absolutely awful for mental health services. 

littleacorn

I was surprised that as a full time wheelchair user for 12 years this was not mentioned in my GP medical notes!

bluefox

littleacorn said:

I was surprised that as a full time wheelchair user for 12 years this was not mentioned in my GP medical notes!

That’s shocking. 

Yeah they don’t record things down properly anymore. I think it’s because most consultations are done by telephone. So when they hang up they don’t make note of what you’ve communicated. 

poppy123456

Reading all your medical records as well as the assessment reports for ESA and PIP isn't really helping you. All it does is cause more anxiety.

bluefox said:

The pandemic has been absolutely awful for mental health services. 

It's not just mental health services that have been affected. Services weren't great before the pandemic either.

bluefox

poppy123456 said:

Reading all your medical records as well as the assessment reports for ESA and PIP isn't really helping you. All it does is cause more anxiety.

bluefox said:

The pandemic has been absolutely awful for mental health services. 

It's not just mental health services that have been affected. Services weren't great before the pandemic either.

You were right though, Poppy. My friend got PIP for his Mum without any doctors evidence, letters etc. although I may need to ask for some advice on here for him as she was awarded no mobility despite being unable to walk or travel out and about.

Sue_Alumni

Good afternoon @bluefox please listen to poppy's wise words.

The GP's records are quite often just very brief contact notes.  They do not have any meaningful input on your benefit claims.  What matters is how your conditions impact on the way you carry out the various PIP activities and you are the best person to give that information.   The huge delays in the PIP process are making a process that was already grueling and upsetting for many people even more so. I know it is probably of little comfort for me to say this but you will know from all the discussions on this community that you are not alone in experiencing what you are going through.  Is there someone you can reach out to when you are feeling so low.  Take care 

racyguy

bluefox said:

Having gone through my medical record for both my GP and my mental health service records, I have to say I’m really upset. 

I’ve noticed that the GP’s don’t record what you tell them accurately and this has got worse in Covid-19 times. I’m beginning to wonder how this would affect my claims for both ESA and PIP?

Does the GP truly know how you’re affected at home? Because I’m starting to think my friends and family and partner need to write statements for them because the way I’m going I’ll end up in a box by the end of the year. 

What’s even more frustrating is that despite being in the mental health services since 2007, my diagnosis of anxiety and depression isn’t listed until 2021. Extremely bizarre since they’ve been receiving letters from the mental health services. 

People who know me on this forum know I overthink things, it’s probably part of my condition. I’m just feeling incredibly frustrated and low today. Last night I was crying my eyes out about how I’m going to get my life back on track. Counselling is bringing up very severe trauma memories for me. 

I just want to get better and get help. But I’m also feeling frustrated by inaccurate reporting and wondering whether this will reflect on my claims in the future. 

I have my diagnoses but it’s ridiculous. One doctor wrote how much more I had improved in my mental health but issued a fit note and yet, 4 days earlier I was talking to her about extreme suicidal thoughts. 

My mind is boggling. 

A year or so ago I obtained a copy of both my GP and hospital records and I was upset!!

I started to read the hospital records back from 2004. Quite interesting considering that I was in hospital from early Feb 2004 until the end of April 2004.
OK I was seriously ill and spent most of the time in the High Dependency Unit. What shocked me was that I found a DNA order that neither my wife or I had any knowledge of.
My life then was actually in the hands of a doctor/consultant who had the power to not provide care if he/she thought that it wasn't in my interests. 
Just shows what goes on behind the scenes and the power medics have over you if they don't think that you are worth saving.

bluefox

Yeah I don’t understand. 

25th August my GP records show my agoraphobia significant but is now a past condition. 

What on Earth are my GP’s doing? I have constantly told them my problems leaving the house alone, crowds and public transport but then remove it as a condition.  

Utterly stupid!

L_Volunteer

@bluefox How have things been for you more recently? I appreciate it has been a little while since you last posted on this thread now. 

I want to make sure you have access to the support you need and deserve but I am also aware that things might have changed since.

Please don't hesitate to let us know if we can do anything to help. We are all here for you