Its never too early to prepare for re-assessment

Many of us with long term conditions, that are well managed, seldom see our GP's. When there is no more your GP can do other than supply repeat prescriptions, we get "parked" in the system. When this is the case, having access to upto date medical records, or even a GP that knows you, can be a problem when re-assessment comes round.

The nature of the PIP system calls for re-assessment at regular intervals, we all know this. So why leave it until the brown envelope arrives to prepare your case ?

It can be very hard to get an appointment with any GP, let alone your own one. All the appointments seem to be taken up by kids with sniffles, people with hang nails or earache.

You need to create a current medical history, preferably with your own GP or one that you can see regularly. I am not saying that you should make appointments every week but a medical review twice a year will go a long way should you need supporting evidence.

If, like me, you don't like to bother your GP because there is nothing they can do, it is still important that keep in regular contact. Depending on your condition, medication can change and if you continue ticking over with what you have then nothing will change for you.

With most PIP awards lasting 2-5 years it is never to soon to prepare and a current medical history, with a GP that knows your face, is one way you can get ready for that day. Don't leave it to chance. PIP assessment is stressfull at the best of times, having your history in place can relieve some of this and looking after your health is even more important.

Hi David,

Those are good points, thank you.

Absolutely spot on David. Forward planning.

I am awaiting a pip assessment and already preparing my appeal/tribunal! Accumulating loads of stuff in readiness.
As pip is a process, one way or another it will continue, not like DLA when once you were awarded that was it.

lollipop wrote: Absolutely spot on David. Forward planning.

I am awaiting a pip assessment and already preparing my appeal/tribunal! Accumulating loads of stuff in readiness.
As pip is a process, one way or another it will continue, not like DLA when once you were awarded that was it.

Many DLA awards were also for a fixed period, although there were indefinite awards.

mine was low rate care and high rate mobility indefinite