getting independant medical evidence

I am at the beginning of the benefits process, still employed but about to be finished because of sickness.
although my doctor has fully supported me in the past with sick notes, i fear his support will be lukewarm to my benefit claims because he does not fully understand how my illnesses affect me.
How do i go about gaining independent medical evidence from a specialist or another GP?
would this track be helpful or should i submit my forms and just see what happens first?

before you think about indxependent evidence, try and ensure your GP does know aboit how your problems affect you. Book an appointment to discuss it.
If this is unsuccessful then think about seeing another GP at your practice or change surgeries.

We cannot expect our GP's to agree with every one of our own conclusions abourt ourselves, but they shjould generally beleive us, and be empathatic and supportive

If you are not happy with your GP, you are entitled to change your doctor.

If you wish to commission an independent medical report from a specialist consultant, this can cost a considerable amount of money to the extent that it could be in excess of £300. However, if you are on a sufficiently low income help with either some or all of the costs may be available through Legal Aid?

You will need to enlist the assistance of a solicitor to commission such a report.

pooch wrote:

I am at the beginning of the benefits process, still employed but about to be finished because of sickness.
although my doctor has fully supported me in the past with sick notes, i fear his support will be lukewarm to my benefit claims because he does not fully understand how my illnesses affect me.
How do i go about gaining independent medical evidence from a specialist or another GP?
would this track be helpful or should i submit my forms and just see what happens first?

Hi

May I suggest that you read through the B&W guides to the benefits you feel you will be claiming.

Normally, but not in all cases, the DWP will contact your GP for evidence. If your GP is unsupportive, that might be the time to consider getting evidence from such as a private doctor, or specialist. Obtaining this type of evidence can often be expensive, whilst your GP will probably have contractual arrangements to supply the DWP evidence and will be paid a fee by them accordingly.

Regards

Michael

Its great to know I can turn to the members of B & W to get the answers and really quickly.

As i mentioned, my Doctor has supported me with everything previously, prior to stopping work i did ask if he would support me and he said of course he would.

Maybe I am just looking at things in a negative way, and jumping to conclusions.

Will have to speak to him again then see how things stand.

Do GP's have a standard reply to the DWP, or is every query from DWP dealt with individually.

Am I letting the complex benefits system get to me?

pooch wrote:

Its great to know I can turn to the members of B & W to get the answers and really quickly.

As i mentioned, my Doctor has supported me with everything previously, prior to stopping work i did ask if he would support me and he said of course he would.

Maybe I am just looking at things in a negative way, and jumping to conclusions.

Will have to speak to him again then see how things stand.

Do GP's have a standard reply to the DWP, or is every query from DWP dealt with individually.

Am I letting the complex benefits system get to me?

Hi Pooch

Good to hear your GP will be supportive.

GP's are generally sent a standard report to complete, with regards certain benefits.

The benefits system is indeed complex, however most benefits (but not all) are covered by B&W. Using the guides will assist you in your claim.

Kind regards

Michael