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If you have been referred for assessment by your solicitor, for a medico/legal assessment and report and you want to understand the process that takes place, see below.

This information is designed to give you some background for when you attend the session, and what to expect. If you have any questions regarding this process, please discuss it with your solicitor. The session will take between one and two hours - one hour is typical.

THE ASSESSMENT - The purpose of the medico/legal assessment is to provide a comprehensive report to the Court regarding your matter. It is important that the report is impartial and independent. The report also needs to be accurate and comprehensive. This means that you will be asked a lot of questions, not only about the matter but also other background information. I know that some people are reluctant to discuss any issue outside of the matter being discussed, such as personal background, employment history, relationship history and so on. Hoever, I are not trying to be intrusive to your privacy, but in order to demonstrate to the court that the assessment has been thorough and complete, it is important to discuss ALL history and background. Its in your best interests, and the Court's, for you to cooperate fully in the assessment process. If you are concerned, in any way, please discuss this with your solicitor.

The session will NOT be deliberately challenging, but you will be asked questions about the incident, and you may find that emotionaly challenging.  Unfortunately, the issue has to be discussed in order for the report to be completed.  Having said that it is in everybody's interest for you to be as relaxed and comfortable as possible. This way it is easier to gain an insight into your matter and the effect/s it may have had upon you. So you will be encouraged to be relaxed and comfortable.

LOCATION – All assessments are done by Telehealth.

TREATMENT - The medico/legal assessment is NOT treatment. Although, the report may recommend treatment, where relevant. However, it is important that you disclose what treatment you have had to date, as this will assist in assessing your condition, its response to treatment so far, and whether further treatment is warranted.

CONFIDENTIALITY - The assessment is for the court and may become a public document. Therefore, everything that is said may be referred to in court or other relevant circumstances,therefore this process is not confidential. The report and related clinical notes may become documents of the court and therefore public documents.

PAYMENT - You do not have to pay at the time of assessment.  Usually the report will be paid for by your solicitor once it has been completed. You will not have to pay anything at the time of assessment, unless some alternative arrangement has been entered into by your solicitor and you. Once the report had been completed, your solicitor will be advised and payment will be sought before the report is released. If you decide to pay for the report yourself, then you will be advised when the report is completed. Reports are usually completed by c.o.b. on the day of assessment and an email advising of pre payment is sent. The report will be released once payment has been received.

MEDICARE – As the medico/legal assessment & report is for the court, it is not considered treatment, therefore, you will NOT be able to claim any of the fees charged for your assessment and report, from Medicare.

SMS REMINDER MESSAGE – It is our practice to send out a reminder text message to you the day before your appointment (provided we have your mobile number). It is a courtesy, but whether you get the reminder or not, your appointment is still set, so please make sure you are ready for the interview, unless we contact you directly to change your appointment (which rarely happens).

CANCELLATIONS - If you have to cancel your appointment, please ring or text or email as soon as possible. Please note that there is a charge of $500 + GST for not attending an appointment or not providing 24 hours notice of cancellation.

If you have been referred for assessment by your employer, or their solicitor, for a Fitness For Duty assessment and report and you want to understand the assessment process that takes place, see below.

This information is designed to give you some background for when you attend the session, and what to expect. If you have any questions regarding this process, please discuss it with your employer. The session will take between one and two hours - one hour is typical.

THE ASSESSMENT - The purpose of the Fitness For Duty assessment is to provide a comprehensive report to your employer on your capacity to work in an employed position.  Be that in your current position or another one.  It is important that the report is impartial and independent. The report also needs to be accurate and comprehensive. This means that you will be asked a lot of questions, not only about your current employment, but other questions on issues such as your skill set in general, your experience, your background, current circumstances and so on. I am not trying to be intrusive to your privacy, but in order to provide a balanced and comprehensive report, these, and other related matters need to be explored.  Its in your best interests, for you to cooperate fully in the assessment process. If you are concerned, in any way, please discuss this with your employer.

The session will NOT be deliberately challenging.  Rather it will be focussed on information gathering.  It is in everybody's interest for you to be as relaxed and comfortable as possible. This way it is easier to make a balanced report based on the information you provide.

LOCATION – All assessments are done by Telehealth.

TREATMENT - The assessment is just that - NOT treatment. Although, the report may recommend treatment if you have a psychological condition that will adversely affect your ability to do your job.

CONFIDENTIALITY - The assessment is for your employer and therefore is not possible to protect your privacy, as the report will be about you.  That said, the report will not be provided to anyone else but your employer, unless it is a legal matter, in which case the report could be subject to subpoena.

PAYMENT - You do not have to pay for the report, that is the responsibility of your employer.

SMS REMINDER MESSAGE – It is our practice to send out a reminder text message to you the day before your appointment (provided we have your mobile number). It is a courtesy, but whether you get the reminder or not, your appointment is still set, so please make sure you are ready for the interview, unless we contact you directly to change your appointment (which rarely happens).

CANCELLATIONS - If you have to cancel your appointment, please ring or text or email as soon as possible. Please note that there is a charge of $250 + GST for not participating in an allocated appointment or not providing 24 hours notice of cancellation.