Frequently Asked Questions
This page brings together some of the questions we are asked most often by solicitors, insurers, individuals attending assessments, and others seeking information about occupational therapy medico-legal assessments.
If your question is not answered below, please contact our administration team on 1300 852 072.
About Interface
What is Interface Med Legal?
Interface Med Legal is an independent occupational therapy medico-legal practice headquartered in Bondi Junction, Sydney. Founded in 1994, we provide independent care needs assessments, expert witness services, and document review services across Australia. Our team has completed more than 3,000 assessments across a broad range of jurisdictions and clinical presentations.Who is Dawn Piebenga?
Dawn Piebenga is the founder and principal occupational therapist of Interface. She has worked in occupational therapy medico-legal practice since the mid-1990s and has extensive experience providing expert witness evidence, participating in expert conclaves, and conducting complex care needs assessments.What does "independent" mean in a medico-legal assessment?
An independent assessment is conducted by an assessor who has no financial or professional relationship with any party that could compromise their clinical objectivity. Interface provides assessment services to all parties involved in medico-legal matters. Our assessors provide independent opinions based on the available evidence and clinical findings. We do not provide treatment services and have no financial relationships with equipment suppliers.Are all Interface assessors registered with AHPRA?
Yes. All Interface occupational therapists hold current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and are required to meet the professional standards, ethical obligations, and ongoing professional development requirements of the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia.About Assessments
What is an independent occupational therapy medico-legal assessment?
An independent occupational therapy medico-legal assessment is a structured clinical evaluation of how an injury, illness, or condition affects a person's ability to function in daily life. Unlike a treating occupational therapist, the assessor has no therapeutic relationship with the individual and provides an independent opinion based on clinical assessment, records review, and evidence-based practice.What types of matters does Interface assess?
Interface provides assessments across a broad range of medico-legal matters, including:- Motor vehicle accidents
- Workers compensation matters
- Public liability matters
- Medical negligence matters
- Psychological injury presentations
- Dust disease matters
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Institutional abuse matters
- NDIS-related disputes
- Total and permanent disability matters
How long does an assessment take?
Most care needs assessments take between two and four hours. More complex assessments may require additional time depending on the nature of the presentation and the questions being addressed.Does Interface conduct telehealth assessments?
Yes, where clinically appropriate. Some referral questions can be addressed effectively through secure video consultation, while others require direct observation within the person's home environment. We will advise on the most appropriate assessment method for the matter.Can Interface conduct assessments in regional and remote areas?
Yes. Interface operates nationally and conducts assessments in metropolitan, regional, rural, and remote locations throughout Australia.About Reports
What is Interface's standard report turnaround time?
Our standard turnaround time is 20 business days from the date of assessment. Where clinical circumstances require urgent reporting, such as certain terminal illness matters, expedited turnaround may be available. Please contact our administration team to discuss current availability.Is every Interface report peer reviewed?
Yes. Every report undergoes peer review by a second senior occupational therapist before release. This quality assurance process helps ensure reports are accurate, consistent, and supported by appropriate clinical reasoning.What does Interface's triangulated methodology involve?
Interface assessments are informed by three key sources of information:- Review of available medical and allied health records
- Clinical assessment using appropriate assessment tools
- Consideration of relevant clinical evidence and research
Can Interface provide supplementary reports?
Yes. Where additional evidence becomes available or further opinion is required following an initial report, supplementary reporting may be provided.For Solicitors and Referrers
How do I make a referral?
Referrals can be made by contacting our administration team on 1300 852 072. To assist with processing, please provide your referral letter, the specific questions to be addressed, and any available supporting records.What should be included in a referral?
Where available, referrals should include:- The specific questions to be addressed
- Medical, allied health, and rehabilitation records
- Relevant background information
- Jurisdiction details
- Any urgency requirements
Do Interface assessors attend court and expert conclaves?
Yes. Interface assessors have experience participating in expert conclaves and providing evidence in courts and tribunals throughout Australia.Can Interface provide a document review without a full assessment?
Yes. Document review services provide an independent clinical opinion based on the available records without requiring an in-person assessment. These reviews may be appropriate where direct assessment is not possible, not required, or where a focused review of existing documentation is needed.For People Being Assessed
What should I expect at my assessment?
An occupational therapist will usually meet with you in your home and spend time discussing your daily activities, health history, and current functioning. The assessment may include discussion, observation of everyday activities, review of your home environment, and the use of standardised assessment tools. You do not need to prepare anything special before the appointment.Can I have a support person with me?
Yes. You are welcome to have a support person present during the assessment. We ask that they allow you to answer questions in your own words wherever possible.What are my rights during the assessment?
You have the right to:- Ask questions about the assessment process
- Request breaks if required
- Have a support person present
- Seek clarification if something is unclear
- Decline any activity that may cause pain, harm, or undue discomfort
Will I receive a copy of the report?
Reports are generally provided to the party that requested the assessment. If you have questions about access to the report, you should speak with the person or organisation that arranged the assessment.Author
