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ESA reassessment. New GP. No history.
- bandw2012
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5 years 9 months ago #234908 by bandw2012
ESA reassessment. New GP. No history. was created by bandw2012
I am currently filling in my ESA50. I have been unable to work due to ME, depression & anxiety for the last 20 years. I moved house in 2015 and have not really established a relationship with any doctor at the local practice. They have had huge problems with doctors leaving and no-one filling their place. So getting an appointment has always been difficult.
Since my condition is basically unchanged anyway, I just get my repeat prescriptions each month and haven't tried to see a doctor (with the exception of a few appointments I've had to slightly adjust the dosage of a couple of medications I take). But now I'm worried about the fact that I don't have a "history" at this new practice. If the DWP contact my registered GP for further information, will the GP be able to look at my notes from the last 20 years and provide information based on that?
I am on 7 different medications (for pain, depression, anxiety etc). So will that be enough for my GP to realise that I'm obviously not a healthy individual?
Thanks in advance for any advice. x
Since my condition is basically unchanged anyway, I just get my repeat prescriptions each month and haven't tried to see a doctor (with the exception of a few appointments I've had to slightly adjust the dosage of a couple of medications I take). But now I'm worried about the fact that I don't have a "history" at this new practice. If the DWP contact my registered GP for further information, will the GP be able to look at my notes from the last 20 years and provide information based on that?
I am on 7 different medications (for pain, depression, anxiety etc). So will that be enough for my GP to realise that I'm obviously not a healthy individual?
Thanks in advance for any advice. x
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- BIS
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5 years 9 months ago #234912 by BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by BIS on topic ESA reassessment. New GP. No history.
Hi bandw2012
See if you can get a letter from your current doctor at least confirming your conditions. Not all doctors will write letters.
The DWP don't always contact the doctors unless they have no information - but I would suggest you make an appointment, so if a form is sent there will be recent information on the system. Be open with the doctor and say they may get contacted.
Otherwise, use what information you've got. They do like recent information (up to three years), but if you only have older evidence - as long as it is relevant - send it.
One thing you should realise is that even if they do contact your GP, your GP is unlikely to look back twenty years. The DWP are interested in how you are now.
BIS
See if you can get a letter from your current doctor at least confirming your conditions. Not all doctors will write letters.
The DWP don't always contact the doctors unless they have no information - but I would suggest you make an appointment, so if a form is sent there will be recent information on the system. Be open with the doctor and say they may get contacted.
Otherwise, use what information you've got. They do like recent information (up to three years), but if you only have older evidence - as long as it is relevant - send it.
One thing you should realise is that even if they do contact your GP, your GP is unlikely to look back twenty years. The DWP are interested in how you are now.
BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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5 years 9 months ago #234915 by chrissiemcd
Replied by chrissiemcd on topic ESA reassessment. New GP. No history.
Hi. As well as the advice BIS has given you I would ask the GP receptionist for a copy of your medical summary and list of medications. They can print these off whilst you wait and are free. If there are any discrepancies you can speak to your GP to update. Have you the original diagnostic letters even if years old as you can photo copy these and send in as evidence? M.E is often ‘parked’ so patients don’t see GP’s often as there are no cures so try not to worry. One of my diagnosis letters was 2004 for M.E which they accepted. They don’t often write to GP’s .
Fill the form in carefully following all the advice from the B&W members website,. The information is the best available and worth its weight in gold. Complete several diary days showing how your illnesses affects you and try and get a friend or family member to write a short statement stating how your disabilities affect your life.Photocopy the forms and all evidence and send by recorded delivery. Please let us know how you get on and good luck.
Fill the form in carefully following all the advice from the B&W members website,. The information is the best available and worth its weight in gold. Complete several diary days showing how your illnesses affects you and try and get a friend or family member to write a short statement stating how your disabilities affect your life.Photocopy the forms and all evidence and send by recorded delivery. Please let us know how you get on and good luck.
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