consulting fees

[ROSS MACDONALD]

Hej Lars....every time you make a report you are exposing yourself to legal
action. You know I run a private practice and of course my fees and medicolegal
insurance are at appropriate levels.
I no longer report on films which are made in any other radiology unit in this
country.  The only report I will do is for a  private dental practitioner who
sends in a film(s) asking for an opinion. I will not report if the fims are not
optimal in quality/technique and tell them so. If I report, it is in a formal
manner on letterhead and a fee of $30 is made. The invoice is included in the
package.  This stance has eliminated unneccesary requests, the offending of
one's eyesight by rotten films,and covered me better against any legal problem.
With the insurance and legal companies my fees are HIGH!!!. This is always
established (quoted) before I do the work and usually can range from $300-500,
and if I have to go to court it casts them $300/hour from the time I leave my
practice and any other costs. With my trip to give evidence at the the High
Court in Brunei it cost them $5,300 plus ALL travel and accommodation etc costs.
 All this sounds harsh, but visits to court are not pleasant.......forget about
public relations...cover yourself for any eventuality...it WILL happen one day.
Will watch the conversation with interest.  Cheers from OZ...,ROSS.