Hello
I'm hoping someone with some experience might be able to give me some advice!
I work for a consultant who is retiring next year. He intends to go into medico-legal reporting and has asked me to remain his secretary (I work part time for the NHS so this will be during my non NHS time I won't be doing private work in my NHS time!).
He is has experience in medico-legal reporting, as do I (my background is in legal) but I've never worked privately and he has never had it be his sole income.
I am getting everything set up including terms and condition etc.
Could anyone advise on billing structure? At what stage would you interim bill?
The area of medicine is a complex one. Without being too outing, any one that he would report on would be suffering life changing injuries. I've looked at the BMA fee guidance but I'm struggling to come up with a few structure.
The majority of reports will require a preliminary report, an examination of the patient, a final report and possible expert witness testimony at court.
Also, if you assist in putting together these types of reports what % do you charge the consultant? Or are you fixed fee for the report? I will be arranging the examinations, liaising with the solicitors, accompanying for the examination and typing the report from dictation/ notes. I'll also be dealing with invoicing etc.
We have a very good partnership and my consultant wants to pay me fairly, I'm just unsure what to ask for in these circumstances.
We already have interest from a couple of very well respected solicitors who are eager for us to start work. It is a very niche area of medicine.
Thanks in advance!