November 2025

Written By Darshika Goswami

What Makes a Strong Medical Report?

From an Adjuster’s Perspective

Pacific Northwest MD Legal Consulting

Medical reports are a key component in understanding the full scope of an injury and its consequences. When done well, they do more than summarize records, they explain the clinical reasoning that connects findings, treatment, and functional impact. A clear, well-supported report helps adjusters and attorneys evaluate the legitimacy, value, and complexity of a claim.

Understanding the Audience

Medical reports are often reviewed by multiple parties: attorneys, claims adjusters, opposing counsel, judges, treating physicians, and independent medical examiners. Each reader brings a different lens but all are looking for the same fundamentals: clarity, accuracy, and sound reasoning.

Writing with this diverse audience in mind ensures the report supports both the medical facts and the legal strategy.

Causation and Mechanism of Injury

Most treating physicians focus on patient care not on dissecting why the injury occurred. Withing a medical-legal framework, the mechanism of injury and whether it is causally related to the event in question is essential.

When appropriate, strong reports explain how the medical findings support (or do not support) causation and how the mechanism aligns with the diagnosis and symptoms. This level of clarity can directly impact how a claim is interpreted, valued, and resolved.

Commentary on Treatment and Medical Necessity

A well-constructed report also addresses whether treatment was:

  • Medically necessary

  • Reasonable

  • Causally related to the event

These distinctions help clarify what aspects of care are tied to the incident versus those arising from pre-existing or unrelated conditions.


Precision and Individualization

Effective reports are individualized, not templated. Generic or repetitive language weakens credibility and risks overlooking case-specific details.

The strongest reports:

  • Use precise clinical language

  • Reflect accurate timelines

  • Apply correct diagnoses and coding

  • Offer an objective summary of the case’s unique medical facts

This precision builds trust and supports defensible conclusions.

Language and Presentation Matter

Subtle shifts in language can shape the reader’s understanding.

  • “Cervical spinal injury” is more specific and more persuasive — than “neck strain.”

  • “Motor vehicle crash” emphasizes impact, while “accident” may imply unpredictability or lack of severity.

Well-written reports also document functional loss, describing how injuries affect the individual’s ability to work, perform daily tasks, and engage in normal activities.

Addressing Pre-existing Conditions and Multiple Incidents

Degenerative conditions like arthritis often cloud causation questions. A strong report separates baseline disease from trauma-induced changes. When multiple injuries or prior incidents are involved, apportioning symptoms clearly and credibly is critical.

This clarity helps adjusters determine what portion of the injury is truly attributable to the event in question.

Collaborative Approach

Medical-legal consulting can also bridge the gap between treating physicians and legal teams. Consultants can guide clinicians on how to document findings more effectively — ensuring the medical record reflects:

  • Clear causation

  • Appropriate treatment rationale

  • Objective functional outcomes

This not only supports the legal case — it protects the treating provider’s role and the integrity of the record.

Takeaway:

A strong medical report is:

✔ Clear

✔ Accurate

✔ Objective

✔ Grounded in evidence-based reasoning

✔ Tailored to both medical and legal audiences

By emphasizing causation, treatment necessity, and functional outcomes, physicians can create reports that meaningfully inform the claims process — and support fair, just outcomes for clients.

Let Us Know How We Can Help You

  • Medical Summary Reports

  • Help with strategies to promote medical theories

  • Interpretation of meaning, or lack thereof, of medical reports & records

  • Reviews of IME Reports

  • Independent Record Reviews

  • Assessment of case validity regarding medical issues

  • Referral to appropriate expert medical witnesses

  • Medical Research

  • Facilitation of communication with clients, families, professionals and service & governmental agencies

  • Case Coordination

  • Facilitation of communication with treating doctors

  • Table-side deposition assistance or deposition question preparation

As you know, we have purposefully kept our fees exceptionally low allowing you the opportunity to have us review your cases early in your representation while controlling your expenses.

CONTACT US for information or fee schedule.

info@pnwmdlegal.com or 503-308-9186

P.S. ---Please pass this Newsletter along to your colleagues if you found it helpful.

Darshika Goswami https://PNWMDLEGAL.COM
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December 2025