1. Medical reports
Some practical tips

2. The field of expertise rule The expertise rule
THE RULES FOR EXPERT EVIDENCE
The field of expertise rule
The expertise rule
The common knowledge rule
The ultimate issue rule
The basis rule
The explanation rule

3. Some common problems
It is not the doctor’s role to find facts Don’t ask inappropriate questions

4. Some common problems
Do you consider that the injury has arisen wholly or predominantly from reasonable administrative action?

5. Some common problems
An opinion that does not disclose the assumed facts is useless

6. Some common problems
An opinion that does not disclose how a conclusion was reached in inadmissible

7. Some common problems
A request should not have the doctor guessing what you are seeking

8. Templates
Beware of the potential for the template to produce a poor request.
Always have in mind the rules of evidence
Think about what it is that you want to know

9. Good reports
A well written letter of request is much more likely to result in a useful report