Medical Cost Assessments

A medical cost assessment is a physician-authored assessment of future medical expenses related to an injury, built on the same credible methodology as a life care plan, streamlined for early-stage cases. Defensible cost projections from board-certified physicians, delivered with the clarity and speed that case resolutions demand. The result is a concise, defensible analysis that helps quantify future care.

Medical Cost Assessments vs. Life Care Plans

Understanding the distinction between a medical cost assessment and a life care plan is critical when selecting the appropriate level of analysis for a case. While both services are grounded in physician expertise and objective methodology, they serve different purposes depending on injury severity, case complexity, and litigation needs.

How and When to Use Medical Cost Assessments

Selecting the appropriate level of medical and economic analysis depends on the specifics of the case, including injury severity, treatment complexity, and litigation posture. Medical cost assessments offer a practical, physician-driven option when a focused evaluation is sufficient, while other services may be more appropriate as case needs evolve.

Early Case Evaluation

A physician-authored projection of future medical expenses arising from an injury – built on the same credible methodology as a PLCP Life Care Plan, calibrated in scope for cases in early stages of evaluation, mediation and alternative dispute resolution.

Moving to Life Care Plans

As cases progress, a medical cost assessment may serve as a foundation for transitioning to a life care plan. Catastrophic injuries, disputed care needs, or matters requiring testimony typically warrant a life care plan.

Frequently Asked Questions Medical Cost Assessments

When should I use a medical cost assessment?

Medical cost assessments are appropriate when a full life care plan is not necessary. Common use cases include:

Early case evaluation, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution
Non-catastrophic injuries
Situations where a credible medical cost projection is needed efficiently
Lower-limit policy cases or matters involving 500 medical record pages or fewer
Cases where expert testimony is not anticipated

What does a medical cost assessment include?

A medical cost assessment is built on a structured clinical review and includes key components such as:

Review and summary of medical records and diagnostic information
Identification of medically necessary future care
Costing of treatments, services, and medications
A report aligned with accepted legal standards
Future medical expenses presented in a clear, actionable format for immediate case use

Are medical cost assessments defensible?

Yes. Medical cost assessments are authored by board-certified physicians and follow objective, methodology-driven processes. They maintain credibility and can support case evaluation and strategy.

How quickly can a medical cost assessment be completed?

Medical cost assessments are delivered within a standard 4-week turnaround, with expedited options available. This is significantly faster than a full life care plan, making them well suited for time-sensitive matters and cases where early medical cost clarity is essential.

Request a Physician-Authored Medical Cost Assessment

If you need a clear, defensible medical cost projection without the scope of a full life care plan, a physician-authored medical cost assessment can provide the insight your case requires. Contact us to discuss your case, request an assessment, or learn whether a medical cost assessment or life care plan is the appropriate next step.