Medicolegal assessments and reports in the civil setting
Susan is primarily based in Brisbane and the South-East Queensland areas. Other Queensland and interstate assessments available upon enquiry.
The waitlist for assessments currently 2-4 weeks.
Neuropsychological assessments must be face-to-face. Susan holds offices in Brisbane, Queensland. If the assessment is conducted somewhere other than South-East Queensland, alternative rooms can be arranged. She may travel to patients' homes if a suitable risk assessment process has been followed.
Report turnarounds are typically 2-3 weeks. Shorter report turnarounds also available by mutual agreement.
Susan's reports are succinct, free from unnecessary jargon, logically structured, and include numbered paragraphs for ease of reference.
The provision of relevant documentation prior to the assessment is preferred. Relevant documentation may include discharge summaries, reports and letters from psychologists and psychiatrists, neuroimaging results, ambulance records, etc.
Types of civil medicolegal assessments
Adolescent to older adult populations.
Diagnosis of neuropsychological disorders (e.g., brain injury, dementia, developmental disorders).
Independent medical examinations.
Fitness for duty (FFD) and return to work (RTW) opinions.
Personal injury cases (e.g., via TAC, WorkCover, and other insurance organisations).
Expert in traumatic brain injuries and medical negligence cases.
Capacity assessments for guardianship and financial administration orders.
Testamentary capacity for wills and other legal decisions.
Capacity to undertake Refugee Status Determination interviews for asylum-seekers. Susan is on the Department of Home Affairs and the Government of Nauru's independent mental health expert panel.
Intellectual disability, learning disorder assessments (e.g., dyslexia), personality assessments (e.g., borderline personality disorder).
Mental health assessments.
Interpreter assessments.
Fees
Assessments are conducted at the Australian Psychological Society's recommended rate of $330.00 (GST inclusive). It typically takes 8-12 hours to complete an assessment and medicolegal report for a standard case. Please speak with Susan regarding your matter for more information regarding the approximate fee for the assessment.
Interpreter assessments, more complicated cases, excessive documentation, and the complexity or number of referral questions may contribute to a higher fee.
Reports for privately funded assessments will be released following receipt of the full fee payment.
A fail to attend fee and/or short cancellation fee (less than 24 hours' notice) of $440 (GST inclusive) may apply .