Respiratory Physicians for Medico-Legal Matters
Legal teams and insurance agencies seek the expertise of Respiratory Physicians in medico-legal cases involving respiratory issues (lung and airway diseases), often arising from personal injury claims, workers’ compensation claims, and disability assessments. Our reports are clear, evidence‑based and designed to progress your matter.
What is a Respiratory Physician?
A Respiratory Physician is a medical specialist with expertise in conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system. In a medico-legal setting, they provide independent opinions on matters such as respiratory impairment, causation, prognosis, or fitness for work. Their assessments are based on clinical evidence and are tailored to address the specific legal or insurance questions at hand.
What Conditions Do Respiratory Physicians Treat?
Respiratory Physicians treat a variety of respiratory issues, such as asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, work-induced respiratory diseases, asbestos-related lung disease and more. They also assess a range of conditions from general respiratory issues like persistent coughs and snoring, to more serious respiratory issues like lung cancer.
How Do Respiratory Physicians Work with Red Health?
Respiratory Physicians working within the Red Health Referral Network are committed to providing superior medico-legal opinions to clients all over Australia. With Red Health, you can rest assured you’ll get the most comprehensive, accurate, and detailed reports. Respiratory Physicians will assess the extent of lung damage, determine causation (including outside factors like pollution), and provide expert testimony on the impact of these conditions on an individual’s health and quality of life.
What Subspecialties Do Respiratory Physicians Specialise In?
Respiratory Medicine is a very broad sector, and many physicians choose to specialise in a particular niche. These can include:
Cystic fibrosis
Thoracic malignancies
Sleep related disorders
Respiratory infections
Airway diseases
Lung transplantation
Occupational lung disease
Interventional pulmonology
What Matters and Conditions Can Respiratory Physicians Assess?
Matters
Respiratory Physicians in the Red Health Referral Network offer their in-depth opinions on issues related to respiratory problems, including but not limited to Workplace Claims, Disability Assessment, Asbestos-Related Diseases, and more. They provide clients with thorough information that’s easily digestible and gives a clearer understanding of the case.
Conditions
Respiratory Physicians can offer insights on medico-legal cases for conditions such as:
- Asbestos-related diseases
- Personal injury due to inhalation of smoke or toxic fumes
- COPD
- Respiratory issues related to smoking
- Interstitial lung disease
- Obstructive and Central Sleep Apnoea
- Sleep Hypoventiation Syndrome
- Pleural Effusion
- Pulonary Embolism
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Insomnia
- Narcolepsy
Medico-Legal FAQ for Respiratory Physicians
Does an IME performed by a Respiratory Physician provide functional capacity testing?
No, IMEs include very minor opinion on functional capacity and predominately focus on the claimant’s prior medical history and the claimant’s interview with the Medical Expert giving their opinion. If your matter requires functional capacity, see our Plus Services for clarity.
Can I book an appointment with a Respiratory Physician to treat my illness or injury with Red Health?
No, Red Health only accepts appointments with our Respiratory Physicians to provide medico-legal services. You’ll need to make an enquiry with your General Practitioner for further information on treatment.
Can an IME opinion be different from my GP?
Yes, IME opinion can be different from a treating practitioner. When an IME (Independent Medical Examination) medical opinion differs from that of a treating practitioner, it may surprise someone with a legal or insurance claim relating to injury or illness. To understand why, read our article here.
Explanations of common Respiratory Physicians acronyms >>
ACRS
Australasian College of Respiratory Science
RTP
Respiratory Therapy Program
ATS
American Thoracic Society
ASA
Australasian Sleep Association
RACP
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
TQS
Thoracic Society of Queensland
TSANZ
Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand
ALF
Australian Lung Foundation
ALCTG
Australian Lung Cancer Trials Group
CHEST
American College of Chest Physicians
MBChB
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery.
BSc
Bachelor of Science
Education, Certification, and Training for Respiratory Physicians
Respiratory Physicians have an abundance of knowledge across a wide range of respiratory issues. To offer medico-legal insights, they must also have extensive clinical experience and be familiar with the relevant guidelines and legislation within their field. In the medico-legal sphere, they should have the skills to communicate effectively in a courtroom setting.
