FAQ
As Peregrine Medical is asked to assess you by our clients including employers, law firms and insurance companies and frequently not by your treating health care providers, our independent medical specialists are not in a position to guide you regarding your medical condition or your treatment. Our staff have an ethical obligation not to intervene in your case, even if you should specifically ask for such medical advice.
Should you need such information, we recommend that you seek advice from your treating doctor(s) or other health care practitioners. We apologise for the restrictions that are placed upon us for ethical reasons, but hope that you are now better able to understand the nature of your medical assessment with us.
During the assessment you will be asked questions about your medical problems, including when and how they started and their progression. Questions will also be asked about medical tests and treatments you have had in the past. Additionally, you may need to answer questions about your personal, social and recreational life.
This is to enable us to fully understand your situation and how your injury could be affecting your life and your capacity to work. This type of information is very important in the overall medical assessment.
For non-English speakers an interpreter must be organised through your case manager or lawyer prior to the appointment. We do not permit family members or friends to interpret on your behalf.
You are welcome to bring a family member or friend with you and he/she can sit in during your assessment. However, the person accompanying you cannot participate in the interview/history taking unless specifically requested for information by the specialist. If you bring children with you please try and bring someone to look after them in the waiting area. This will allow the doctor to concentrate on your examination and what you are saying to him/her.
In many cases the medical assessment also involves an interview and physical examination. During the assessment the medical specialist may require you to partially undress. As well as an assessment of the injured area of your body, a more generalised examination may also be required for assessment of your overall health.
All of our medical specialists are experienced professionals who conduct these medical assessments with total integrity and discretion. Gowns and screens are available if you wish to use them. The medical specialist may request a chaperone to be present during the examination or alternatively you can request this.
Please plan to arrive at the appointment 10-15 minutes prior to your assessment to complete any forms.
Generally two to two and a half hours is allocated to your assessment, which usually consists of an interview and a physical examination. However, the precise amount of time spent with the specialist will vary according to your individual circumstances.
It is important to bring along the following:
- X-ray films, CT and MRI scans and reports;
- Any available treating doctor’s reports and specialist’s reports;
- Medical prescriptions or a list of medications taken; and
- Any other information relevant to your injury, illness or claim.
