Independent Medical Opinions and MEDICO-LEGAL REPORTS

An independent medical opinion is a clinical assessment and written report produced by a doctor who has no prior treating relationship with the patient. It provides an objective view of a patient’s condition, diagnosis, causation, and prognosis for use in legal proceedings, insurance claims, employment disputes, or as a second opinion on a diagnosis or treatment plan. The examining doctor forms their own view based on the examination and records provided, with no obligation to any treating clinician.

We accept instructions from solicitors (claimant and defendant), insurance companies, employers and HR departments, and individuals seeking a second opinion or independent assessment. Parties may also agree on court-appointed joint experts and instruct them on joint terms.

The examination typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case and the scope of the instruction. If a significant volume of records requires review, you may need additional preparation time before the appointment.

You should provide all relevant GP records, specialist correspondence, investigation reports, imaging reports, and any previous medico-legal reports relating to the condition under assessment. The completeness of records provided directly affects the quality of the opinion the examining doctor can give.

Yes. Reports prepared for court proceedings comply with CPR Part 35 and include the required statement of truth and the expert’s declaration of duty to the court. Please confirm at the time of instruction whether CPR Part 35 compliance is required so the report is prepared accordingly.

Yes. Independent medical reports prepared for employment tribunal use follow the standards required under the Employment Tribunals Rules of Procedure. Reports must be independent and impartial, and the examining doctor must not act as an advocate for the instructing party.

Yes. Individuals can self-refer for an independent medical opinion, whether to query a diagnosis, obtain a second view on a proposed treatment, or request an assessment for a condition they feel has not been adequately investigated. Self-pay appointments are available at all 10 clinics.

Both involve assessment by a doctor who has not previously treated the patient. A second opinion is usually sought by the patient or their GP to query or confirm a diagnosis or treatment plan. A third party, such as a solicitor, insurer, or employer, typically requests an independent medical opinion for a specific legal, insurance, or employment purpose. Independent opinions produced for court use must comply with CPR Part 35.

Private Medical Clinic produces condition and prognosis reports, causation reports, fitness to work reports, disability assessment reports, and full expert witness reports for court and tribunal proceedings. Where a specific format is required by the instructing solicitor or court, this should be confirmed at the time of instruction.

We typically return reports within 5 to 10 working days of the examination. Where an urgent turnaround is required, this should be raised at the time of instruction and we will advise on availability.

The examining doctor reviews only the records provided with the instruction. They do not have direct access to GP systems. You or your instructing solicitor should request and supply all relevant medical records in advance of the appointment.

CPR Part 35 is the section of the Civil Procedure Rules governing the use of expert witnesses in civil proceedings in England and Wales. It requires that expert reports be objective and impartial, include a statement of truth, and confirm that the expert’s duty is to the court, not to the instructing party. Similar rules apply in Scotland under the Rules of the Court of Session.

In civil litigation, both parties may instruct separate independent medical experts. Courts often encourage parties to agree on a single joint expert to reduce cost and delay. Where a joint expert is agreed, the appointment is made on terms accepted by both parties and the report is shared between them.