The Blue Badge scheme offers parking concessions for individuals with disabilities, enabling them to park in spaces designated for disabled parking. When applying for a Blue Badge, the local authority currently requests that patients provide “evidence of a diagnosed medical condition or disability, along with supporting documentation from a medical practitioner.”
This request is often interpreted by patients as requiring “a letter from your doctor.” However, it is important to note that the work associated with this request is outside the scope of essential services provided by GPs and is not a statutory obligation. As a result, GPs have several options available to them when responding to a patient’s request for evidence in support of their Blue Badge application:
Decline to Provide Information
GPs are not obligated to provide supporting evidence for Blue Badge applications. If the request does not align with the GP’s scope of responsibility or is deemed unnecessary, they may choose to decline the request.
Provide a Bespoke Letter for the Patient
In certain cases, GPs may choose to provide a tailored letter confirming the patient’s diagnosis or disability. This can be provided for a fee, as it requires time and resources to draft and finalize the letter.
Provide the Patient with a Printout of Relevant Medical Record Information
GPs may also choose to provide the patient with a printout of relevant parts of their medical record. This may be particularly useful if the information the patient requires is already available in their file. Practices may levy an administrative charge for this service.
Signpost the Patient to Another Clinician for Support
In some cases, a hospital consultant or another healthcare professional may be better placed to provide the necessary supporting evidence. GPs can signpost patients to these clinicians who may be able to assist with their application.
Practices are entitled to levy an administrative charge for options 2 and 3, given that both involve additional work and resources. The charges can vary depending on the practice’s policies and the complexity of the request.
By providing clear guidance on the available options, this allows GPs to manage Blue Badge requests effectively while staying within the bounds of their statutory responsibilities.