Sources of evidence

General Practitioner reports (GP reports)

The GP's report is based on information contained in the patient's medical records, and any personal knowledge that the doctor has of the patient.

In most cases where a claimant is referred to hospital for a specialist opinion or treatment a report is sent back to the GP.

It is reasonable to expect a GP's report to contain factual information such as diagnosis, history of the condition, clinical findings, results of special tests, medication, treatment plan and, in some cases, comment regarding impairment or disability resulting from the main medical problem.

It is most unlikely that the GP will have meaningful or detailed information about any requirement for attention or difficulties in getting around.

The GP may have very limited information on people who have had stable, long-term disabilities, often since childhood for example children and adults with learning disabilities.

Claimants with mental health problems or learning disabilities may be mainly under the care of community psychiatric services or other specialist teams and it is often more appropriate to make an initial request for a factual report from another agency or professional.