Guidelines: suggestions for use of letter to clinician
Read the four sample letters carefully. Decide which one best fits your situation and change as needed.
Include the physician’s full name and status at the top of the page.
The following are suggested signatures. Having more than one is beneficial:
parent who wrote the letter
second parent (if applicable)
grandparent
sibling
spouse
Ensure that you request an acknowledgement of receipt from your clinician.
Send your letter by email with a copy sent by registered mail. This will help to ensure that your letter
is officially received and filed.
Prepare your follow-up collateral information (see Supporting Information on the website for samples).
Put a clear reference number on your letters in case you do not receive a reply or receive a disrespectful
or dismissive reply.
If you have a legal advisor, make sure to send a copy of your letter to the advisor (or, if you have funds,
get your legal advisor to send the letter on your behalf).