Doctor Failed to Submit CPP Disability Medical Report After Assuring Me It Would Be Sent — What Are My Options?

CPP Disability
1

Hi everyone,

I am looking for guidance regarding a serious problem involving my longtime family doctor and the medical portion of my CPP Disability application.

I had been a patient of this physician for approximately 12 years and travelled a considerable distance to continue seeing him. In June, I attended an appointment so that he could complete the CPP Disability Medical Report required by Service Canada.

A dispute then arose concerning the $85 fee associated with the report. Service Canada’s documentation appeared to indicate that the physician would be reimbursed up to $85 for completing the form and that I would only be responsible for any amount charged above that reimbursement. However, the doctor’s receptionist contacted me requesting that I pay the $85 upfront.

I attempted to explain the Service Canada reimbursement information to the doctor. A Service Canada representative later told me that it is very unusual for a physician to require the patient to pay this fee upfront.

During this period, I repeatedly attempted to contact the doctor’s office by email and telephone but received little or no response. The doctor later claimed that he had attempted to contact me, but the calls were apparently made from an unknown number. My iPhone blocks unknown and suspected spam calls, and I had no way of knowing the calls were from his office.

Because I could not get the matter resolved, I contacted the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). The doctor then called my home telephone number and became extremely upset that I had contacted the CPSO in an effort to obtain assistance. He subsequently terminated the physician-patient relationship.

During our final conversation on June 18, I specifically clarified the Service Canada fee issue and the need for the medical report to be submitted. The doctor assured me that he understood the reimbursement information and that the completed medical report would be sent to Service Canada. I relied on that assurance and informed my long-term disability case manager that the physician had completed and submitted the medical portion of my CPP Disability application.

Afterward, I emailed the doctor asking for confirmation that the report had been sent, but I received no response.

I have now received a letter from Service Canada dated July 14 stating that they have not received the medical report or medical information from either me or my physician. Service Canada warned that, if the report is not received within 45 days, they may make a decision based only on the information currently available in my file.

I spoke with Service Canada again after receiving the letter. The representative expressed serious concern about what had occurred and advised me that the situation could potentially raise professional-conduct or malpractice concerns. I understand, however, that only the appropriate regulatory body or a lawyer can determine whether the physician’s conduct legally amounts to malpractice.

This has caused significant stress and may have delayed or jeopardized my CPP Disability application. I must now explain to my LTD case manager that the medical report was apparently never submitted, despite the doctor’s assurance in June that it would be sent.

I have already contacted the CPSO, but I would appreciate guidance on the following:

  • Should I submit this new Service Canada letter as additional evidence to the CPSO?
  • Are there any other organizations or authorities in Ontario to which this matter should be reported?
  • Should I consult a medical-malpractice or disability lawyer?
  • What immediate steps should I take to protect my CPP Disability application and ensure that Service Canada receives the required medical evidence?

I have retained the Service Canada letter, emails, telephone records and other documentation relating to the matter.

Thank you for any guidance.

2

I don’t mean to be an ass and I really promise you that but why would you bite the hand that feeds you? If there’s any time one needed to take out an $85 loan it would have been that.

Now to answer your question at this point you need to go find another doctor right away. This time make sure you don’t make the same mistake. I am absolutely shocked at how you handled this.

The other thing you could do is let service Canada use your insurance file by giving them permission because at this point your back is against a wall.

I’m really trying to be empathetic here but why would you risk potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars over $85…? I honestly think you’re trolling us right now but I wish you well.

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I’m not trolling anyone. I’m here looking for advice from people with experience, not personal attacks. The issue was never about refusing to pay $85. My concern was that Service Canada’s documentation stated the physician would be reimbursed, and after discussing it with my doctor, he assured me he understood and would submit the medical report. Service Canada has since confirmed they never received it. If you disagree with how I handled it, that’s your opinion, but accusing me of trolling isn’t helpful or accurate.

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Because it seems so incredulous to me you would go to the cpso over this. Your doctor is your main advocate and to go over his head like this is absolutely…

I have no words. Common sense would dictate that if you need something from someone that you would beg and be kind and persistent. You don’t go and complain about the person you need something from. Like come on.

I gave you suggestions and the outcome speaks for itself.

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As I think more about my opinion the more I’m even shocked and surprised. When you go to the cpso you risk a doctor losing their license. You’re literally potentially putting your doctor’s livelihood on the line and you expect them to help? You expect them to give you something that you want?

I just can’t believe this is real but you do you.

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I think you’re missing several key facts. I didn’t file a CPSO complaint because of an $85 fee. I repeatedly tried to resolve the matter directly with my doctor’s office by phone and email. On June 18, my doctor assured me he understood the Service Canada reimbursement policy and that he would submit my CPP Disability medical report. Based on that assurance, I believed the matter was resolved. I then received a letter from Service Canada dated July 14 stating they had never received the report. My concern is that I relied on my doctor’s assurance, and Service Canada says the report was never submitted. That’s why I’m asking for advice.

7

You’ve made a lot of assumptions about a situation you clearly don’t know. I didn’t contact the CPSO because I wanted to. I contacted them after repeated unanswered emails and phone calls, confusion over the Service Canada reimbursement policy, and after my doctor assured me on June 18 that my CPP Disability medical report would be sent. I relied on that assurance. Service Canada has since confirmed they never received it.

The CPSO exists so patients can raise concerns about a physician’s professional conduct. If a complaint has merit, it is investigated. If it doesn’t, it isn’t. That’s how accountability works.

You’re free to disagree with how I handled it, but accusing me of jeopardizing a doctor’s livelihood without knowing the facts is both unfair and uninformed. I’m here seeking advice, not judgment.

8

You do you. The point of my post was not to pass judgment but to highlight to the outside Observer how your actions brought about the consequences that it did. The hope is that when you do get a new doctor that you might want to reevaluate how you treat them.

You can’t undo the past but it seems like you have no regrets. I certainly would have handled it differently.

And while you are correct you are looking at this through the lens of something that is black and white. Your doctor’s job is to interpret the gray and if you hold them to this level of objectivity they might as well come back and say no you are not totally disabled

Don’t play with fire and when you do don’t be surprised when it blows up in your face. Disability claims require a human touch and your doctor is your fiercest Ally and you’ve lost them.

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9

You’re entitled to your opinion, but it’s based on assumptions rather than the facts.

This wasn’t about “playing with fire” or mistreating my doctor. I was his patient for 12 years and travelled a considerable distance to continue seeing him. I tried repeatedly to resolve the issue directly through emails, phone calls, and discussions with both the receptionist and the doctor.

On June 18, my doctor assured me he understood the Service Canada reimbursement policy and that he would submit my CPP Disability medical report. I relied on that assurance. Service Canada has since confirmed they never received it.

You’re suggesting I should have ignored what I believed to be a professional issue simply because I needed my doctor’s help. Accountability doesn’t disappear because someone holds a medical licence.

Patients have the right to ask questions, expect honest communication, and rely on a physician’s assurances. That’s not “playing with fire”—that’s expecting professional standards to be met.

Fortunately, the CPSO will review the facts rather than assumptions. That’s exactly why the complaints process exists.

10

This is going to be my last comment here because if this is how you treat a stranger when you ask for help…

If I couldn’t get a hold of my doctor like you couldn’t allegedly, then I would just book an appointment to see him in person. I would then politely ask them to do what I needed them to do and I would keep on booking appointments until I got what I needed to get.

Anyway, the situation has unfolded the way that it did for you and it very clearly blew up in your face.

That is not an opinion. That is a fact and yet you seem to still want to defend your behavior which is your right. However you are living with the consequences, not us.

It is extremely clear to me that you feel like you didn’t do anything wrong. However my opinion and your opinions don’t matter. The only thing that matters is the outcome and if you are happy with how things turned out then you were right all along.

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You’re entitled to your opinion, but you’re making assumptions about facts you don’t know. I did far more than simply “not get a hold” of my doctor. There were repeated emails, calls, appointments, and documented follow-ups over several weeks. Ultimately, Service Canada confirmed they never received the medical report, despite my being told it had been sent. That’s why formal complaints are now underway. You’re free to disagree with how I handled it, but at least base your opinion on the complete facts rather than assumptions.

12

I am very sorry that this is the response and ridicule you have been subjected to on this SUPPORT BOARD. Nobody is perfect or knows what to do in all situations in life. Hence the term “to err is Human”.

I suppose if someone tried several ways of contacting their Physicians’ office to no avail and live a considerable distance away WHILST facing a disability that no one but YOU know how it affects your life and functioning, felt your only recourse was to contact CPSO for information and guidance that is your right and I personally don’t see a problem. Especially since you say you did not file a complaint! Which again would be your right.

I would implore you and others to ignore this unnecessarily terse, rude bully whom I have noticed posting here lately. If you have the time to waste look back on their other responses to other Members and you will see they appear to have a chip on their shoulder along with an air of condescension every single time they feel the need to respond to others.

Again, it could be due to their specific condition and how it affects them but that is not what this board as far as I know is about or for…

We attempt to be helpful and understanding because we all started out not knowing what to do or expect when our bodies failed us and the Insurance companies instantly fought us.

You will notice not once during this person’s long diatribes did they offer any real or sensible “help” or advice.

I do not know where you reside but I am in Ontario, I am not quite sure where any one here just “goes and find a Dr.”?!? Even worse when you show up with long complicated histories and conditions they don’t want to take you on!!

  1. If the Dr. has discharged you perhaps ask for a copy of your entire file/medical records (you will most likely have to pay, possibly an uncomfortable sum) and perhaps a copy of the filled CPP-D form will be in it. My Dr. office always makes a copy and keeps it in my file.
  2. Try to go up there and pay the $85 and ask for the form. Then leave it at that. The just have any new Dr. request your records.
  3. If that fails contact Resolute Legal or any Disability Lawyer you choose and explain your situation and they can advise you hopefully what to do.

Again, on behalf of the kind, respectful and generally helpful Members here I apologise for this ignorant barrage of ridicule and abuse you were subjected to. I suggest you ignore and don’t engage with this character anymore. Life is too short.

All the best and keep us updated if you feel safe enough to do so after what you have had to experience today here. Ridiculous!

13

Sometimes it’s about taking responsibility for your actions. The actions here drove a doctor to discharge a patient when the patient is begging the doctor for a form to help support disability.

Thank you for attacking me @QueenT ! (Appreciated!).

I would be keen to hear the Doctor’s side of this story because there must be so much more to add but alas, the circumstances don’t matter. What does matter is what the result is, and the result is, this person is officially in deep water.

Now imagine this - a Doctor discharging a patient AFTER a CPSO complaint. No doubt the patient is going to complain to the CPSO about this too so the Dr has thought about it. Something bad must have happened here for a Doctor to do that.

Anyway, I’m out of this board. The content as of late has been…not for me.

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14

I’m sorry this is happening to you. I do agree that it could have maybe been approached a little differently, but you have to deal with things as they are currently. Is there a disability advocacy group in your area that you can talk to for advice? I’m not in ON, but docs are difficult to find around here. As an aside, I don’t think everyone understands what a college complaint looks like from the physician’s side or that the college absolutely will put a doctor through months of investigation and waiting even for more trivial complaints. Doctors are often, if not always, advised to let go of patients who launch these complaints due to a severe breakdown in the relationship. It would be the same as continuing to treat someone who is currently suing you. You can imagine it would be very difficult to stay objective. The provincial colleges should be a last resort if patients want to keep their doctors. I’m curious as to what the delay was between the request for the medical report and the college complaint. It seems about a month if I’m understanding? This would be considered a reasonable wait for a doc with a busy practice despite it feeling like an eternity to us on the other side.

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15

Hi again, I would add if you are going up in person to the Dr’s office have someone you know with a measured personality accompany you if possible. They may see you not as alone and easily dismissed or pushed around. Be polite and calm. Remember you are only asking them for what they promised and they will/can be compensated for it.

Also some online Dr services fill forms (for a fee) if you can get your records an upload to the Dr. you choose they may fill it out for you. I will say I don’t know if they specifically do CPP-D forms I just remember seeing them say the fill forms. I have used TIA Health not for forms but saw they have Drd that fill forms. Hope this helps. Take care.

16

Thank you very much for your kind and thoughtful words. They genuinely mean a lot.

You’re absolutely right—I was simply trying to seek guidance after exhausting every reasonable avenue I could think of. I never filed a complaint with the CPSO; I contacted them for information because I couldn’t get a response from my physician’s office despite repeated attempts.

Unfortunately, the situation has only become worse. Service Canada has now confirmed they never received my CPP Disability medical report, despite my doctor’s office stating it was sent by registered mail. I have since asked them to provide the Canada Post tracking number and proof of mailing, but they have been unable to do so.

I will certainly be requesting a complete copy of my medical records, including the CPP Disability forms if they exist. Thank you as well for mentioning Resolute Legal—that’s something I’ll keep in mind if necessary.

More than anything, I appreciate your compassion. That’s exactly what a support forum should be about—people helping one another through difficult situations rather than criticizing someone who is already dealing with enough.

Thank you again for taking the time to respond. I truly appreciate it.

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17

To be honest, I would consider your first attempt at the CPP-D application a lost cause. Based on what you’ve written if your physician is forced by CPSO to submit the paper physician application form I guarentee it won’t be to a standard that would allow Service Canada to approve you. They just need to hint that you have some capacity to work, and your application will be immediately denied.

Don’t waste your time going after the doctor, it will only hurt you in the long run.

My guidance is to find a new physician, and have them transfer all your medical records from the old physician to them to start the CPP-D application a new. Physicians are picky on who they accept these days so be very careful on how you word why you have separated from your previous physician. DO NOT be critical of your previous physician to any potential new physicians. I know of one other person in a very similar position and they are on month 11 of trying to get a new physician to take them on. The process falls apart as soon as the new physicians back office talks to the previous physician office.

Apologies if my repsonse seems blunt, that’s just how I am.

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I respect your opinion, but saying my application is a “lost cause” and guaranteeing it will be denied is speculation, not fact. Service Canada makes that decision based on the medical evidence, not predictions on an internet forum. Time will tell.

19

Not speculation, it’s personal experience and a summary of what people in this forum and our facebook/in person support group have faced. That said take the below as guidance or ignore it.

Service Canada relies EXTREMELY heavily on what your physician initially writes along with follow-up correspondance from your physician far far far more than medical records.

My Service Canada adjudicator during my phone interview said they have all my extensive medical records, LTD file, and initial physician application forms but will base their decision to approve me or not on the response from my physician on the work capacity follow-up letter they sent.

I recently found out my doctor spent two hours writing this follow-up repsonse letter describing in detail to Service Canada why I can’t maintain gainful employment. My doctor also told me their entire large practice has never had someone apply for CPP-D where Service Canada hasn’t asked for at least one round of follow up letters.

I was told specifically by my Service Canada adjudicator that a non-repsonse by my physician by “x” date will result in a denial of cpp-d. I personally wouldn’t rely on a doctor that no longer wants me as a patient and has already ghosted me to be my advocate let alone engage in writing multiple detailed followup letters.

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20

You’re presenting your personal experience as though it applies universally, but you’re missing one critical detail: you weren’t in the room.

You have no idea what my physician actually wrote, what was discussed during my appointments, what I personally witnessed, or what documentation exists in my medical file. Those are facts—not opinions.

I’ve already requested my complete medical records and physician notes, regardless of the cost. Once I have them, I’ll personally deliver them to Service Canada myself so there is no confusion about what was documented.

Advice is appreciated when it’s based on the facts of someone’s situation. Assumptions about mine aren’t. Every CPP-D case is different, and I’d rather rely on documented evidence than someone else’s experience.