Interviewing a Potential Expert Witness

​Interviewing a medical billing expert witness is a crucial step in any personal injury case where medical billing and coding practices or the reasonableness of medical charges are at issue. Such an expert can provide testimony on the accuracy of medical bills, the typical charges for specific medical services within a certain geographical area, and whether the services billed were necessary for the treatment of the condition.

 Here are some steps and tips for conducting an effective interview:

1. Check Credentials and Experience
   
   Verify their qualifications: Ensure the expert has relevant qualifications, such as certifications in medical billing, coding, or healthcare administration. Advanced degrees in health-related fields can also be beneficial.
   
   Assess their experience: Look for experience specific to the issues in your case. This could include familiarity with the types of medical services at issue, experience in the geographical area where the treatment was provided, and an understanding of billing practices for the health care providers or facilities involved.
   
   
2. Evaluate Prior Expert Witness Experience
   
   Litigation experience: Determine if the expert has prior experience testifying in court or depositions. Ask for references or examples of cases where they have testified, especially those similar to yours.
   
   Communication skills: Assess their ability to communicate complex billing issues in a way that is understandable to laypeople, such as jurors. This can be critical for their effectiveness as a witness.
3. Understand their Methodology
   
   Ask about their approach: Have them explain how they analyze medical bills and determine the reasonableness of charges. They should be able to discuss how they verify the accuracy of coding and whether the billed services align with the treatment provided.
   
   Validation of standards: Understand how they use coding guidelines, billing standards, and regional charge data to evaluate claims. Ensure their methodology is rigorous and can withstand scrutiny under cross-examination.
4. Discuss Conflict of Interest and Availability
   
   Conflict of interest: Confirm there is no conflict of interest that could undermine the expert's credibility or impartiality. This includes checking for any direct relationships with parties involved in the case.
   
   Availability: Ensure the expert is available to review materials, prepare a report, and testify if necessary according to your timeline. Confirm their fee structure and ensure it fits within your budget.
   
   
5. Review Work Samples and References
   
   Work samples: Ask for redacted reports or testimony transcripts to assess the quality of their previous work. Look for clarity, thoroughness, and reliability in their analyses.
   
   References: Check references from attorneys who have hired them in the past. Inquire about their professionalism, effectiveness, and any challenges encountered.
   
   
6. Assess their Interest and Engagement
   
   Interest in your case: Ensure they show a genuine interest in your case and understand the issues at hand. An engaged and motivated expert will be more likely to provide thorough and convincing testimony.
   
   Questions they ask: Pay attention to the questions the expert asks you. This can provide insight into their analytical process and how deeply they will delve into the case.

Conclusion
Selecting a medical billing expert witness requires thorough vetting to ensure they not only possess the necessary expertise and experience but also the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively to a lay audience. Through a meticulous interview process, you can identify an expert who will significantly strengthen your case.