From the initial enquiry to the specialist opinion
Dr. med. Reza Ladjevardi – Specialist in Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy · Last updated: 20 October 2026
A medical expert report answers a specific question about health, illness and their effects. It is based on the available medical documents and, depending on the assignment, a personal interview, a specialist examination and additional diagnostic procedures. These form the basis of a written assessment supported by clear, reasoned explanations.
For many people, an expert assessment is an unfamiliar situation. Commissioning parties also want to know which steps are required and what information is needed. This overview explains the typical process, with particular reference to psychosomatic and social-medical assessments. Requirements may vary according to the assignment and procedure.
1. A clear question comes first
Before the assessment begins, its purpose is clarified. Commissioning parties may include courts, insurers, social benefit providers or private individuals.
Different assignments raise different questions: What health impairments are present? Which activities remain possible? What limitations affect everyday working life? How should the course so far and the likely future development be assessed?
The expert checks whether the question falls within their specialty and which documents or examinations are required. The scope, timeframe and basis of remuneration are clarified in accordance with the assignment. For court-appointed assessments, the court’s questions and procedural requirements are particularly relevant; remuneration is governed by the applicable statutory provisions.
2. The available documents are reviewed
Medical findings show how symptoms have developed, which diagnoses have been made and which treatments have already taken place. The following documents can be particularly useful in preparing for the assessment:
- current and previous specialist reports,
- hospital and rehabilitation discharge reports,
- relevant examination results,
- an overview of medication and previous treatments,
- earlier expert reports, where relevant to the assignment,
- for work-related questions, a description of the most recent occupation.
Relevance to the specific question is decisive. Missing or conflicting information may require further enquiries. The documents required and how they should be transmitted are agreed in advance. In court proceedings, the prescribed procedural route must be followed.
3. The interview explores symptoms and everyday life
During an in-person assessment, current symptoms, their course over time and previous treatment are discussed. Their practical effects on everyday life and, where relevant, working life are equally important.
How long can you work with sustained concentration? Which demands cause difficulties? Which tasks remain possible? Are breaks, support or special conditions needed?
A psychosomatic assessment considers physical and psychological symptoms in context. Relevant life circumstances and existing abilities are also included. The aim is to develop as detailed and balanced a picture of the health situation as possible. Specific everyday examples are often more helpful than general statements. Fluctuations between better and worse days should also be described.
An expert assessment is not treatment. Its purpose is to answer the commissioned medical questions independently. The assignment, the expert’s role and the intended disclosure of the results should be explained at the outset.
4. Examination and, where appropriate, additional diagnostic procedures
The type and extent of the examination depend on the specialty and the question to be addressed. In psychosomatic assessments, the specialist interview and mental state examination are particularly important. Further examinations are carried out where necessary.
Standardised questionnaires or psychological tests may be used as additional tools. Their results are evaluated alongside the other information. A single test score cannot replace an overall specialist assessment.
5. The findings form the basis of the opinion
Documents, the person’s account, examination findings and, where relevant, test results are then considered together. It must remain clear which information comes from previous reports, which was reported by the person being assessed and which findings were obtained directly.
A diagnosis alone does not establish how severely someone is limited in everyday life or at work. Relevant factors include severity, course, treatment status and specific functional effects. Differences in accounts or findings are examined and placed in context. If questions remain unanswered, the limitations of the assessment must also be stated.
6. The written report addresses the assignment
A clear expert report sets out its essential foundations and answers the questions posed with an understandable medical rationale.
In court, insurance or social law proceedings, it provides a medical basis for decision-making. The relevant authority makes the legal or benefit-related decision. An expert report cannot guarantee a particular outcome.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an assessment take?
This depends on the question, the volume of records and the examinations required. The duration of the examination appointment should be distinguished from the subsequent report preparation time.
Is an in-person examination always necessary?
Not in every case. Whether an assessment based on the records is sufficient depends on the assignment, the applicable procedural requirements and the information provided by the available documents. An in-person examination may be necessary if crucial information is missing.
How can I prepare?
Have the requested documents and an up-to-date medication list ready. A brief overview of symptoms, treatments and important changes can make the interview easier. Describe your situation as specifically as possible, including existing limitations and activities you can still carry out.
Assessment enquiries
My professional focus is on medical and social-medical expert reports in psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy.
For an initial enquiry, information about the commissioning party, the purpose of the report and the specific question is helpful. Please only transmit confidential health documents once a suitable transmission method has been agreed. The documents required and the next steps will then be clarified.
Sources and further information
- German Pension Insurance: Medical expert reports for statutory pension insurance – Assessment guidance, September 2018 (German)
- German Pension Insurance assessment portal: Guidance on preparing expert reports (German)
- Section 407a of the German Code of Civil Procedure: Further duties of court-appointed experts (German)
The German Pension Insurance sources relate to statutory pension insurance. Requirements of other commissioning parties and procedures may differ. This article provides general guidance and does not replace individual medical or legal advice.