Terms of business
These terms apply to every referral accepted by the practice unless a written agreement with the referrer says otherwise.
1. Referrals. Referrals are made through the practice's secure portal or to referrals@datummedicolegal.com.au, with a letter of instruction stating the questions to be answered. The practice acknowledges each referral within one business day and confirms acceptance after a conflict check.
2. Independence. The specialist's duty is to the court or tribunal and to provide an independent opinion. The fee does not depend on the content of the opinion. The specialist will not act if a conflict of interest exists.
3. Brief. The referrer supplies the treating records, imaging reports and prior reports relevant to the questions. The practice tells the referrer within two business days of receipt if the brief is incomplete. Report timeframes run from the date the brief is complete.
4. Turnaround. The practice's target is a report within 10 business days of the examination or of a complete brief, whichever is later. Urgent reports within 5 business days attract the loading below.
5. Records verification. Each fact on which an opinion relies is checked against the source document, and the report lists the documents reviewed.
6. Fees (excluding GST)
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard orthopaedic IME | $3,300 |
| Complex orthopaedic IME (multiple regions or causation) | $4,400 |
| TPD or life insurer assessment | $2,200 |
| File review without examination | $1,650 |
| Supplementary report | $715 |
| Medical chronology (no opinion) | $950 |
| Conference with the instructing solicitor | $660 an hour |
| Court or tribunal attendance | $4,400 a day |
| Cancellation or non-attendance with less than 5 business days' notice | $880 |
| Urgent report (within 5 business days) | Plus 25% |
| Regional examination or travel | Plus 10% |
| Examination with an interpreter | Plus 15% |
Scheme work is charged at the scheme's gazetted fee where one applies. GST is added at 10%.
7. Invoicing and payment. [Under Model A: the practice invoices on delivery of the report.] [Under Model B: the specialist invoices on delivery, with the practice issuing the invoice as the specialist's billing agent.] Payment is due within 30 days. The referrer may elect to pay before the report is released.
8. Confidentiality and privacy. The practice handles all information under its privacy policy. Reports are released only to the referrer, through the portal.
9. Limitation. The report is prepared for the purpose stated in the letter of instruction and may not be relied on for any other purpose.
10. Changes. The practice may change these terms or the fee schedule on 30 days' written notice; accepted referrals proceed on the terms in force at acceptance.