Parrott, Daniel wrote:
> I have heard of GPs who charge up to £50 for a note (that may not even
> be typed). It would probably be cheaper for the student to do a freedom
> of information request on their file!
I think charging for medical evidence is revolting and I will deregister
from any GP practice which routinely or ever asks me for it. As a
disabled person I am regularly asked for "yet more proof" of my
disabilities even thought they have not and will not change.
I do keep copies of all evidence I obtain from medical professionals and
try and use my copies in the first instance but this is often not good
enough. As a disability advisor I encourage students to keep copies of
every piece of evidence that they can as this can suffice for some purposes.
Sadly this generic evidence is not usually specific enough for exam
accommodations.
> Maybe it is time that HEIs and the BMA liaised and agreed on a standard
> form to convey the correct level of detailed information to an HEI +
> agree a consistent price for the request. Then it could even be provided
> in an accessible format too!!
Having a standard form would probably resolve some of the issues. I
believe many GPs resent providing medical evidence when they are asked
for so much of it. I have heard that some students are not requesting,
but demanding evidence - often to be very generic "To whom it may
concern" rather than a named individual in a named department/institution.
A letter from disability advisers requesting it be addressed to the GP
may help but doesn't resolve the charging issue or help find a balance
between "advisers telling the doctor what to say" vs the student coming
back with a note which is inadequate for exam requirements.
Natalya
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