What to Expect at Your Medical Legal Assessment:
A Comprehensive Overview for Patients
Preparing for your assessment
It's important to be prepared and organized for both treating physician appointments and medical-legal expert appointments. By following these checklists, you can help ensure that you get the most out of your appointments and receive the best possible care and legal representation.
When seeing a treating physician:
Bring a list of questions
Before your appointment, write down any questions you have about your condition or treatment.
Bring a list of medications
Bring a list of all medications, including dosages and frequency, that you are currently taking to your appointment.
Describe your symptoms
Be prepared to describe your symptoms in detail, including when they started, how often they occur, and what makes them worse or better.
Provide medical history
Make sure to provide a thorough medical history, including any past surgeries, hospitalizations, or medical conditions.
Discuss treatment options
Ask your treating physician about all available treatments, including both medical and non-medical options. Make sure you understand the benefits and risks of each option.
When seeing a medical-legal expert:
Bring all relevant medical records
Gather all medical records related to your injury, including records from all treating physicians, hospital visits, and any diagnostic tests such as X-rays or MRIs.
Understand the purpose of the visit
Their role is to provide an impartial and objective assessment of your medical condition, focusing on the legal aspects of your case. They will focus only on the relevant information.
Be honest and accurate
When discussing your injury, stick to the facts and don't exaggerate or minimize your symptoms.
Describe the impact on your life
Explain how your injury has impacted your daily life, including work, social activities, and hobbies. This can help the medical legal expert understand the full extent of your injury.
Understand the process
Make sure you understand the purpose of the medical-legal exam and what to expect. Ask questions if anything is unclear.