Sample Letter

Dear Dr. White,

Re: Mr George Paulos (aged 45)

Thank you for seeing this patient who is presenting with signs and symptoms suggestive of
discogenic with radiculopathy. Your urgent assessment would be greatly appreciated.

Initially, he visited me on 21/6/14 with the complaint of (TWO DAYS OF) severe lower back pain (of
two days duration – NOT NEEDED) following (the – NOT NEEDED) lifting (of – NOT NEEDED) logs at
home. At that time, his examination revealed only a slight limitation of lumbar flexion to patella [NO
SPACE]; otherwise, findings were normal. (Then, -NOT NEEDED) he was advised to take (TIME) off
work and was prescribed paracetamol and panadeine tablets.

One week later, his lower back pain was more severe so that his lumbar spine flexion was limited to
mid-thigh; in addition, SLR was restricted to 60 degrees in right leg.

When reviewed today, he expressed that lower back pain had worsened and radiated along the right
lower leg. Moreover, he could not perform the lumbar flexion during examination and SLR was
noted as 70 degrees in left and 50 degrees in right side. Furthermore, light touch sensation was lost
in the lateral distal calf and plantar aspect of foot and right ankle reflex was absent.

Therefore, I am writing to refer this patient for further management. I would be grateful if you could
order the MRI imaging and advise him regarding surgery if necessary. Please note that he is allergic
to pethidine[NO SPACE], penicillin and radio contrast agents.

Should there be any queries, please contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Doctor

Teacher Feedback:
A decent letter that addresses the task. Some excess words and spacing is an issue – after
punctuation, put a space, not before. But format is good and you communicate well. 4