What to Expect at Your Consultation
We understand that seeing a new clinician can be a daunting experience. Our medical experts appreciate this and will do what they can to put you at ease. Rest assured that they see many patients on a weekly basis as part of their private and NHS medical practices, as well as their medicolegal work.
On this page you’ll find:
- What you need to bring with you
- What to wear
- How to get to the clinic
- What to expect at the consultation
- Can someone accompany me?
- What happens if I’m late
- What happens if I can’t attend
- The report
- Downloadable checklist
What you need to bring with you
Please make sure that you bring the following documentation with you to your appointment. The doctor MUST be able to verify your identity to the court in their report. Without this documentation, the consultation will be terminated early.
- Photo identification, such as a passport, driving licence or an i.d. photo card
- Utility bill, bank statement or similar (no more than 3 months old) with your name and home address – this needs to the same information as that provided to us by your solicitor.
The doctor will want to know what medication, if any, you are taking. Some people find it easier to bring their medication (or a list, including dosage) with them to their consultation.
If you have any photographs that are relevant to your claim (accident or injury photographs), these can be emailed to our office at info@medicolegal-partners.com.
What to wear
The doctor will need to examine the site of your pain/injury. We recommend you wear loose clothing.
How to get to the clinic
You’ll find a map and directions to our clinics on the relevant page under “How to find our clinics” in the toolbar at the top of this page. We’ve also included information about parking and public transport options.
What to expect at the consultation
Our experienced clinicians will put you at ease. They will need to examine the site of your pain/injury and will ask you questions about any medication (and dosage) you are taking. The doctor will wish to photograph any injuries, scars or walking aids. This will be done as discreetly as possible. Additionally, the doctor may take a full length photograph of you standing (dressed) and a head and shoulder image for identification purposes. These images are held on a secure server and can be deleted once the report has been prepared. Please email us to request this.
We can arrange for a formal chaperone to be present when the doctor examines you (usually a nurse). It is also acceptable for an informal chaperone to accompany you, however you must inform us at least 72 hours in advance of the appointment and we will require your solicitor’s written agreement. Read our Chaperone Policy here. Some of our clinic locations will not be able to provide a chaperone. Find your clinic location (via Claimant Information > How to find our clinics) to see whether a chaperone is available for your appointment.
Can someone accompany me?
If you feel you need support, we are happy for you to bring a friend or relative to the consultation. However, you must get your solicitor’s agreement and they must give us their permission in writing before the consultation. Read our Chaperone Policy here.
What happens if I’m late?
We ask that you arrive in plenty of time ahead of your appointment. The doctors run very busy clinics and if you are more than 10 minutes late , they may be unable to see you. If you are running late, please call us to tell us or call the clinic you are attending.
The doctors’ clinics are usually very punctual, however sometimes a previous appointment may run slightly over its allotted time and cause a delay to your appointment. We apologise in advance if you experience a delay and appreciate your patience.
What happens if I can’t attend?
If you are unable to attend your appointment for any reason, please call us at least 24 hours in advance on 020 7118 0650 to tell us.
If you fail to do this your solicitor will be charged a fee of £250 for non-attendance, which they may pass to you.
The report
Your solicitor will be sent a copy of the report the doctor writes. Most solicitors will let you see the report and comment on it before it is submitted to the court.
We look forward to welcoming you to the clinic. If you have further questions about your examination please call us on 020 7118 0650 or email us at info@medicolegal-partners.com and we will be happy to help you.
Latest Updates
- The Medicolegal Implications of Hindsight Bias In the context of clinical medicine, bias is the predisposition to form premature or undue…23 Sep 2024
- Medicolegal issues surrounding consent in dentoalveolar surgery Other than in an emergency situation, informed consent must be obtained from all patients before…09 Sep 2024
- The medicolegal challenges of spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of pain Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide and most adults will experience it at some…07 Aug 2024
- A Medicolegal Perspective on Arterial Injury Following Joint Replacement Arterial injury is an extremely rare consequence of joint replacement surgery. Estimates of its incidence…08 Jul 2024