Fit Note - Maximum duration from GP

axsanexvoice

Hello,

I've been signed off work continuously for a year now and have had fit notes from my GP. I called  my GP for a continuation fit note and was told the rules say that GPs are only allowed to issue fit notes for a maximum of 12 months and he would lose his job if he were to issue me one as I had been signed off for over 12 months now. He told me that I need to contact the DWP to request that they have their doctor assess me.

This is news to me, I've searched on-line and can find no information on this 12 month period. Is anyone here familiar with the rules  and whether the only way to get a continuation of a fit note after 12 months can only be done via the DWP?

TIA

BrassicWoman

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fit-note-guidance-for-gps/getting-the-most-out-of-the-fit-note-guidance-for-gps

In the first 6 months of a patient’s condition, a fit note can cover a maximum of 3 months. If a condition has lasted longer than 6 months, a fit note can be for any clinically appropriate period up to ‘an indefinite period’. The dates are inclusive, (so a fit note dated from 2 April to 10 April will no longer apply from 11 April onwards).

Sounds like he may actually be suggesting you get assessed for PIP?

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-short-guide-to-the-benefit-system-for-general-practitioners/the-benefit-system-a-short-guide-for-gps

axsanexvoice

BrassicWoman thank you for your reply.

I am already receiving PIP. Thank you for the first link to, I've seen this already and as this says "up to ‘an indefinite period’" that is why I'm confused as to why the GP saying the rules say that he cannot issue fit notes for conditions lasting more than 12 months.

Flummoxed

BrassicWoman

As far as I am aware a Fit note is for employers. I would try asking on the benefits board about PIP requirements, which may indeed be different.

elsien

BrassicWoman said:

As far as I am aware a Fit note is for employers. I would try asking on the benefits board about PIP requirements, which may indeed be different.

Reads to me as if the OP is needing the fitnote for their employer. 

Perhaps the GP practice manager could be asked where this alleged 12 month rule has come from. 

TELLIT01

I think the GP is getting confused between how long an individual Fit Note can be for, and how long Fit Notes can be issued for the same illness.  To the best of my knowledge there is no limit on how long a person can be sick and receive Fit Notes.  There wouldn't normally be any problem as a claimant would have been assessed and put into the relevant group in much less than 12 months.