GP and ESA form

[Esapalaver]

So the ESA people sent the GP a form to fill in. Said if they filled it might not need an assessment. Found a copy online and scribbled some notes on it for the GP (is a new GP as we all got transferred to a new practice after it closed and were given this new, named GP). Thought this might help new GP as never met etc.

Now, this new GPs have gone and sent the copy with these notes on! Argh. They wrote at the bottom I (the patient) has filled it in but they verify it is correct.

I mean it is really just a factual form. stating conditions, meds and dates but there are bots about going to a medical etc.

ESA seem to have accepted this form - but I wish the GP had not done this. It should have been written from them. Worried now as PIP may be merging with ESA in future. Or am I being over the top?

I would not worry about this at all.
The GP has verified what you have written as correct so there will be no issues with this.
I have written reams of notes for GP(I am severely deaf now and also housebound and generally bed bound so mostly email GP). It become really difficult to hear during phone appointments.
My GP prefers this because all my notes go on the system and it saves them time.
The ESA will not have a problem with your notes being written by you as long as the GP as verified that they are correct.
Try not to worry OP and hope all goes well.

Thanks. I guess it is OK. They also sent in print out of conditions etc. and meds list. Bit I was more worried that Atos might think I was influencing the GP or something.

It'll be fine OP, the printed history and med list are good supporting evidence and the GP has confirmed everything you've said.

I'm a benefits adviser and haven't heard anything about PIP and ESA merging. Quite the opposite, actually: people on ESA will gradually be moved onto Universal Credit (they're starting this in Harrogate fairly soon).

What they can do is take into account the evidence submitted for an ESA assessment when they consider a PIP application, and vice versa. In my experience, this has always worked in the claimant's favour, the last time this happened the client was placed in the support group without having to attend an ESA assessment.

I'll find a link about the possible ESA and PIP merge. It seems it is about information sharing, which may be good perhaps not

www.disabilityrightsuk.org/news/2019/march/combining-wca-and-pip-assessments-what-does-it-mean

www.theguardian.com/society/commentisfree/2019/apr/10/new-disability-minister-listen-benefit-tests-welfare-reform

Ok, the only thing is that my exact diagnosis is not on the printout, but it is in previous docs from consultants which ESA do already have (am already in the support group and on enhanced rate PIP) so hopefully it should be OK.

I mean it seems may also be about merge with UC Lakielady. Yes I guess with mine they could have said something like patient has made this up and has no diagnosis, that would have mean a real problem rather than confirm the diagnosis etc! And also at least they asked the GP for info as they don't sometimes.

Does anyone know if they keep asking for these forms ESA113 each time as can see potential for a muddle there if the GP doesn't know you etc. My previous GP didn't even bother to send it back!

Also just had PIP granted for another 6 years (5 yrs really till next assessment) I guess ESA will use that as well if sent in. Considering would need to as information not properly shared yet. Argh.