CPT® Code 99075

1. Indications

Medical testimony is typically indicated in legal cases where medical expertise is required to interpret clinical information or to provide insights into medical standards and practices. The following are specific indications for which medical testimony may be sought:

• Legal Disputes Involvement in cases where medical facts are contested or require clarification.
• Standard of Care Evaluation Assessment of whether the medical care provided met the accepted standards within the medical community.
• Expert Witness Requirement Situations where an expert opinion is necessary to support or refute claims made in a legal context.

2. Procedure

The procedure for providing medical testimony involves several key steps that ensure the expert's opinion is well-founded and relevant to the case at hand. Each step is critical to the integrity of the testimony provided.

• Step 1: Case Review The physician or healthcare professional begins by thoroughly reviewing the case materials, which may include medical records, previous depositions, and relevant literature. This step is essential for understanding the context and specifics of the case, allowing the expert to form an informed opinion.
• Step 2: Preparation of Testimony After reviewing the case, the expert prepares their testimony. This may involve drafting a report that outlines their findings, opinions, and the basis for those opinions. The preparation phase is crucial for ensuring that the testimony is clear, concise, and supported by medical evidence.
• Step 3: Deposition The expert may be required to provide a deposition, which is a sworn out-of-court testimony. During this process, the expert answers questions posed by attorneys from both sides, providing insights into their medical opinions and the rationale behind them.
• Step 4: Court Appearance If the case proceeds to trial, the expert may be called to provide direct testimony in court. This involves presenting their findings to the judge and jury, answering questions, and clarifying any medical concepts that may be relevant to the case.

3. Post-Procedure

After providing medical testimony, the expert may be involved in follow-up activities, such as responding to additional inquiries or clarifications requested by the court or legal teams. It is also important for the expert to maintain documentation of their testimony and any related communications, as this may be necessary for future reference or in case of appeals. The expert's role may conclude once the case is resolved, but they may also be called upon for further testimony in related cases or appeals.