Disapointed with Dr's letter

Ross1975
Ross1975 Online Community Member Posts: 285 Empowering
in PIP, DLA, ADP and AA

The letter is quite short and vague, It doesn't seem to properly back up the issues I face which are related to certain PIP descriptors, no mention of how these things can end up making me feel suicidal and no mention of overwhelming psychological distress, even though I've told the doctor this and I also mentioned both things on the print out that I handed to reception for them to scan in for the doctor. It also says on his letter that I get very anxious WHEN using public transport or traveling to unfamiliar places, this makes it sound like I do use public transport and travel to unfamiliar places. The fact is I CAN'T do these things due to anxiety and the suicidal thoughts and overwhelming psychological distress that I will feel afterwards, I told the doctor this, it's also mentioned on the print out that I handed in. I need to convince the assessor at PIP, that I cannot do these things.

Should I still bother with sending the doctors letter with my PIP form since it makes it sound like I can and do do those things? Maybe I could point out the mistake in the doctors letter in my PIP form?

Comments

  • Lauren29
    Lauren29 Online Community Member Posts: 146 Empowering

    Although it can be helpful to have a GP letter this it isn't essential. As part of my job I support people to complete PIP forms and we often don't include a GP letter. Do you have other evidence to support what you have recorded on your PIP form? Are you receiving any support from another medical professional with your mental health and can they write a letter of support? The Health Assessor will look at whether you are receiving any support or medication for your metal health. Do you have a friend or family member that can write about your metal health and how this impacts you? You will also be able to explain your issues at the assessment.

  • Zipz
    Zipz Online Community Member Posts: 3,489 Championing
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/137864/disapointed-with-drs-letter

    I have often annotated medical records and letters. For example, "Dr X states correctly that ____. However, my symptoms in this area extend to the point that I am unable to ___."

  • Ross1975
    Ross1975 Online Community Member Posts: 285 Empowering
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1061361#Comment_1061361

    I have an online friend who knows a lot about my problems, I guess I could get her to write me a letter.

  • Ross1975
    Ross1975 Online Community Member Posts: 285 Empowering
    edited August 23
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1061367#Comment_1061367

    Ah, so it seems like this is a common thing then and I'm not just unlucky?

    I had another Dr's letter from a different Dr for my WCA, he said in the letter that 'Ross TELLS me he has anxiety and depression', not 'I confirm that he does'.

    Just saying that it's what I say isn't really supporting evidence at all, lol, just kinda makes the letter useless.

    I don't understand why Dr's have to write such weak letters.

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Online Community Member Posts: 5,002 Championing

    I paid for a similar Doctors letter a couple of years ago, although not for PIP. It was completely useless, and in fact had the opposite effect, preventing me from getting the reasonable adjustment I needed. I would never pay for another Doctors letter after that experience!

  • randomlygenerated
    randomlygenerated Online Community Member Posts: 5 Listener

    I have multiple chronic conditions not limited to mental health, when I was applying for PIP the only 'GP letter' I included was a simple listing of diagnoses + prescriptions + dates (which I requested to travel with my medication originally as some of it is controlled).

    I don't think a lot of people even see a regular/their named GP anymore and there's a certain level of things we just accept dealing because we know the limitations of what the NHS will or won't help or support us with. So I don't think a ton of people are gonna have a GP that even could accurately write that kind of letter. If I was to request one I'd find a "guide for healthcare workers" or a template or similar and probably book an appointment to discuss it first.

    Anyway, most of my evidence was the past 1 year (even though I had more) of key letters from health services (e.g. diagnoses, appointments, tests, outcomes), hospital - so nothing tailored - the one tailored letter was from the therapist I was seeing, though I also had to point out how the "X tells me" language might be interpreted by the DWP etc so she revised it.

    Might be helpful for some to be aware of NHS guidance on this.

    https://transform.england.nhs.uk/information-governance/guidance/information-sharing-with-the-department-for-work-and-pensions-dwp/

    Also this thread: https://www.rightsnet.org.uk/forums/viewthread/17517/P15

Categories