Dr Ferghal speaks with Dr Matthew Frei, an addiction medicine specialist who specialises in providing written reports in the field of addiction medicine. There are many agencies or entities that might request a formal opinion from an addiction medicine specialist. These include Vic Roads, insurance companies, AHPRA and the coroner’s court.

When writing reports for Vic roads one must bear in mind the private and commercial driving standards. Such reports usually are requested after a patient has tested positive for a prohibited substance, or because they have tested positive for a blood alcohol concentration in excess of the legal limit (0.05%). Reports may be requested by insurance companies regarding the suitability of ongoing high dose opioid prescribing, usually in the context of chronic pain. Court reports usually are requested in the context of alleged medical error or negligence.

Dr Frei’s advice to anyone considering writing a report is firstly to maintain impartiality, and secondly to be aware that the report will be scrutinised by all parties with a material interest in the matter at hand. For those starting out it is useful to bear in mind that language does not have to be literary, and that it is more important to be factually correct and fair in providing an opinion.

Discussions and comments in our videos are for informational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your medical professional. Please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medical treatment or lifestyle.

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