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As all correspondence concerning fees and estimates refers the reader to
this website I assume that all those instructing me have read and agree
these Terms of Engagement. Expertise I am happy to provide reports on most obstetric & gynaecological matters. I would not be able to advise on complex antenatal diagnosis, complex laparoscopic surgery, gynae-oncology, gynae-urology or assisted conception/infertility. I have a particular interest in road traffic accidents in pregnancy, HIV and Hepatitis B in pregnancy, and symphysis pubis dysfunction (aka pelvic girdle pain of pregnancy). I have prepared a large number of reports concerning obstetric issues in cerebral palsy cases. Fees My usual fees are £160 per hour for preparing the report. A premium rate of £180 per hour applies to all instructions via intermediaries/agencies (reflecting the difficulties often experienced in securing payment in such cases and the frequent failure of such firms). Subsequent further work, conferences, etc. would be charged at the same rates, court appearances at standard rates. Travel expenses would be additional as would travelling time (travelling time is charged at half-rate). Fees are payable within 60 days (unless other terms are agreed). I will apply a £100 (or 10% whichever is the greater) surcharge to all fees outstanding more than three months towards the cost of recovery. Conferences/Conferencing facilities Please note I also have good quality (ISDN or IP) video conferencing facilities in my home office. Should any conference be requested and then cancelled or postponed, I would reserve the right to charge a fee, unless sufficient notice were given and where genuine loss was incurred. For face-to-face conferences I usually travel by train. I assume most conferences will last about two hours and therefore charge the first two hours of any conference trip at my full hourly rate even if the conference is shorter than two hours, with the balance of any travelling time at half rate. Mailing I prefer to receive any documents electronically by email attachment. Correspondence can also be addressed to my home address (3/5 High Street, Eaton Bray, Dunstable, Beds., LU6 2DN., tel. no: 01525-222849). Medical records I prefer to receive bundles bound only by treasury tags - my invariable experience is that the Post Office damage bundles sent in lever arch files. I am no longer able to dispose of (especially damaged) lever arch files and will return these to you at your expense! It is my usual practice to complete and return reports within 6-8 weeks of receipt of the case note bundle. It is now my invariable practice to scan all documents (including copied medical records) and not to retain any paper copies. All instructions are therefore accepted on the basis that copied medical records are not returnable and will be confidentially shredded. I prefer to receive A3 sheets reduced to A4 size. I am happy to provide copies of records on CD-ROM in readable and editable format on request. Other report formats I am happy to provide screening reports in line with the AVMA policy—£300 for a preliminary report based on core bundle, chronology and instructions. Alternative I am happy to provide screening reports for £400 for more substantial bundles, at my usual hourly rate or by negotiation—I look forward to being of service to you and your clients. |