Keeping your GP informed

Hi,

I see a psychotherapist twice a week (have been for a long time) so she knows my problems very well.

My GP doesn't know me so well. She does prescribe medication. Seen her for about 18 months.

Last time I saw the GP I asked her to look at my notes from my old GPs practice which should give her a good idea of things. So I'm hoping she has done that.

I am seeing her next week. Do you think it would be a good idea to give her a copy of the relevant bits of my esa50?

She told me all her patients get 0 points and have to appeal so I'm convinced she's very good at filling in esa113s!

My previous practice was good at filling out DWP forms (I am being transferred from IB. I get DLA too).

It would do no harm filling in the relevant descriptors on form ESA50 and sending a copy to your GP.

Do you know however if your GP has received and completed an ESA113 as part of your WCA, because if so, the copy of the ESA50 may not help you initially if the response to the ESA113 differs to the response on your form, but may help if you have to appeal any adverse decision on your ESA entitlement? One thing I would suggest with regard to the copy of the ESA50, if it were noted to the effect that the GP does not divulge its existence ie the source of the information to Atos and/or the DWP. The reason behind this is because if it comes to light that the GP has merely paraphrased your statements and it is made known to the relevant authorities, the likelihood is that it will not be accepted as independent evidence of your medical condition.

I note that your GP says that all her patients score zero points and have to appeal, and therefore you are convinced that she is good at completing ESA113 forms? I would suggest that the opposite position would apply, whereby she is in fact not competent at completing this form!

Yes, NOT competent is what I meant!


She hasn't filled in an esa113 AFAIK_ i'm pretty sure she won't have got one yet. I haven't returned my esa50 yet and I don't think they have my up to date GP details.

Thanks for the information. I see what you mean about her possibly 'paraphrasing'but on balance I will give her a copy of the esa50.

I'll ask her again to look at my previous medical records if she hasn't done that yet. I imagine there will be copies of what my previous GPs wrote for the DWP in there as well as a lot of relevant information. (although this is a new test of course.)

It really concerns me that GPs are probably being given little guidance on how to support their patients with an ESA claim and probably oblivious to the fact that the eligibiliy criteria for ESA has changed - and so very different from IB.

With talk of GPs being encouraged to ask patients what their employment status is (but thankfully rejected) and to view a return to work as an essential indicatior of a favourable clinical outcome (or something like that) - one wonders how many will end up 'prescribing work' in attempt to meet their own targets as well as those regarding welfare reform.

(Somebody please tell me I am being overly cynical!)

In the current climate i think it is vital we try and find a supportive GP who understands the difficulties we face functioning in a work environment or securing sustainable employment, and how we meet the ESA criteria. Similarly in the case of DLA, regarding care and mobility needs.

I have had some lovely GPs in the past (and a couple of horrors) and particularly miss my last one since a house move.

displayname wrote:

Hi,

My GP doesn't know me so well. She does prescribe medication. Seen her for about 18 months.

I am seeing her next week. Do you think it would be a good idea to give her a copy of the relevant bits of my esa50?

Hi,

For what it's worth, my personal opinion is that it's essential to keep your GP fully aware of exactly how your condition impacts your day-to-day life, especially if you suffer mental health problems. They need to be aware, too, how this ESA process is affecting you. A good way to get that information across would be to show them your completed ESA50.

I can only quote from my own example: I suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and my GP is the practice mental health specialist. Even so, I could see he was a little shocked when I gave him a copy of my ESA50 and pointed out that he only sees me when I feel well enough to sit in his waiting room amongst other people for 10-minutes or so. He's now asked me to come in for a medications review on the strength of it.

Hope this helps.

Biffer

Thank you for the replies.

I went to the GP today (took some diazepam to help - I am prescribed that for non regular use)

Tried to explain the situation with esa a bit more and gave her a copy form so far.

She is supportive, it's just hoping she writes the (true) things decision makers deem relevant if she gets asked for her opinion.

She had been very good and looked back through my old notes and scanned various old letters into the computer (current notes at my new practice). So that's lots of information that she now knows about and will haven give her a much better picture of my condition.