Using conventional investigation procedure, obtaining a medical report typically means preparing a lengthy case summary for the doctor involved, photocopying a wad of documentation for the doctor to peruse and in some cases, setting up a specialist referral and arranging an examination time convenient to doctor and claimant. Postponement of any decision until the report is received (on average reports take about one month to arrive) leads to frustration for all parties and there is no guarantee that the report will provide the necessary medical information in any case.
The doctor can often be overwhelmed by the complexity of the paperwork forwarded by the Claims Manager and confused as to exactly what is required; many get the impression that we are asking them for a legal opinion. Not surprisingly the doctors who find themselves in this situation tend to place much emphasis on their findings at examination and do not respond to specific issues raised by the Claims Manager, issues that can be critical to the consideration of liability, with the result that the case is no further advanced.