Pip assesor/ DWP access to medical records

Robbie64

poppy12345 said:

Yes my GP uses the same system. I couldn't see all my records either but i requested them, signed for it and now i can view all my records.

Both my sister and myself have the same GP practice. My sister can access everything including appointments and medication going back to the 90s whereas I cannot (I can only see appointments and medications from the past 12 months). I asked for full access but the receptionist I spoke to denied that anyone could see such information going back years including things like test results too. It's frustrating trying to get them to listen and when I tell them my sister has full access they deny that it's true.

Unfortunately all the experienced receptionists left a few years ago and have been replaced by some receptionists who haven't a clue what they are talking about. Nor have they really had to deal face to fae with the public due to Covid restrictions and simply just argue over the phone when I try to tell them I am correct.

calcotti

Robbie64 said: Unfortunately all the experienced receptionists left a few years ago and have been replaced by some receptionists who haven't a clue what they are talking about. 

Seems to be the case for so many organisations now. And when the6 work fr9m scripts the6 don’t even learn anything over time either.

peteuk

Robbie64 said:

poppy12345 said:

Yes my GP uses the same system. I couldn't see all my records either but i requested them, signed for it and now i can view all my records.

Both my sister and myself have the same GP practice. My sister can access everything including appointments and medication going back to the 90s whereas I cannot (I can only see appointments and medications from the past 12 months). I asked for full access but the receptionist I spoke to denied that anyone could see such information going back years including things like test results too. It's frustrating trying to get them to listen and when I tell them my sister has full access they deny that it's true.

To have full access to your GP records you will need a robust reason,  like a PIP application.  My current role is scrutiniising Gp records (not for PIP), so if you've been in the UK for the whole of your life your Gp will have access to your whole Primary care records eg All the times you've seen the GP and letters from specialists.  If they don't then they should know how to retrieve this from the NHS computer system.   Even you old Lloyd George notes will have been scanned onto the system (not that they are always legible) 

As previously mentions if your applying for PIP then the assessor will only have the information you provide.  You don't need your full medical details, just enough to prove you suffer with the condition your claiming and where possible evidence of the effect.   For instance if you suffer with arthritis of the hip, one recent letter from a orthopedic consultant that say.  "I saw Mr X in the arthritis clinic, having been diagnosed 3 years ago, his mobility has greatly reduced to the point he is now only able to walk..."

If you do ask to see you records, your Gp does have the right to refuse you or redact it.

poppy12345

peteuk said:

Robbie64 said:

poppy12345 said:

Yes my GP uses the same system. I couldn't see all my records either but i requested them, signed for it and now i can view all my records.

Both my sister and myself have the same GP practice. My sister can access everything including appointments and medication going back to the 90s whereas I cannot (I can only see appointments and medications from the past 12 months). I asked for full access but the receptionist I spoke to denied that anyone could see such information going back years including things like test results too. It's frustrating trying to get them to listen and when I tell them my sister has full access they deny that it's true.

To have full access to your GP records you will need a robust reason

I didn't need any reason at all when i requested to see mine.

TELLIT01

poppy12345 said:

Spoonie_Turtle said:

MattMattMattUK said:

NedS said:

And I'm assuming (I have no evidence either way) in many instances the GP/Consultants have better things to do than to respond to DWP requests for information. I recently helped someone make a claim for Attendance Allowance, and they found it really difficult to get their own GPs surgery to respond to requests to provide copies of their own medical records to send off.

Depending on exactly what they need most of that should be available to download from their NHS account.

Our GP surgery only gives us access to the summary which is virtually useless - mine lists current medications and has a section for medication allergies - and our immunisation record, which is of course completely irrelevant for benefits.

Which is correct for everyone unless you request to view your medical records. https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-the-nhs/how-to-access-your-health-records/

I have access to my medical records on the NHS app but the information is often very limited.  For example 'operation' isn't terribly informative and one operation is missing completely from the list.

calcotti

peteuk said: To have full access to your GP records you will need a robust reason,  like a PIP application.  

If you request your full medical details your GP is surely obliged to provide them as an SAR.

peteuk said:If you do ask to see you records, your Gp does have the right to refuse you or redact it.

On what grounds?

Alice_Holt

peteuk said:

Robbie64 said:

poppy12345 said:

Yes my GP uses the same system. I couldn't see all my records either but i requested them, signed for it and now i can view all my records.

Both my sister and myself have the same GP practice. My sister can access everything including appointments and medication going back to the 90s whereas I cannot (I can only see appointments and medications from the past 12 months). I asked for full access but the receptionist I spoke to denied that anyone could see such information going back years including things like test results too. It's frustrating trying to get them to listen and when I tell them my sister has full access they deny that it's true.

To have full access to your GP records you will need a robust reason,.....

If you do ask to see you records, your Gp does have the right to refuse you or redact it.

      Not really, as individuals have a right of access to their own personal data. 

       Under the GDPR provisions you can request the information held by an organisation about you through a SAR.
    
     Have a look at this ICO information about any valid refusals  to provide information (E.g. if an exemption or restriction applies, or if the request is manifestly unfounded or excessive).

   https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-data-protection/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr/individual-rights/right-of-access/

   Any redactions would likely be concerned with other people's references contained in your medical notes.

peteuk

Apologises I should have been clearer in my reply. 

Alice_Holt said:

   Any redactions would likely be concerned with other people's references contained in your medical notes.

This is correct the main reason for redaction is reference to other people.  As stupid as it seems I often see names redacted but not relationships.  So for instance attended with mum, XXXXXX Smith.   Next letter will be address to Mrs Anyname Smith, Mother of Master Smith. 

However the NHS does also allow the Gp to make a decision on if the information is likely to be harmful to the individual and as such can refuse or redact such sections.  They should then inform you of the reason why, however I know this is not always the case. 

If asking for your records it is better to request targeted information rather than the whole record.