What Should a First-Time Physician Expert Charge?
A first-time physician expert can use broad market guidance as a starting point, then set task-specific fees that reflect specialty, preparation, clinical disruption, urgency, and the actual assignment. HIVE’s illustrative guidance is $350–$700+ per hour for record review, $500–$900+ per hour for deposition, and $600–$1,200+ per hour for trial testimony.
Illustrative market guidance only—not a HIVE rate or earnings promise. You choose your rates. HIVE takes no commission from your professional fees.
Start with the work, not your seniority as an expert
Prior testimony is not the only source of value. Relevant clinical judgment, disciplined scope, preparation time, scarcity, and displaced professional work all matter. A new expert should not discount a careful review simply because it is a first engagement.
Use separate rates for separate demands
Record review can often be scheduled flexibly. Deposition and trial testimony interrupt practice and carry preparation, travel, and scheduling risk. A clear fee schedule may therefore use different rates and minimums for each task.
Write the terms before accepting the matter
State billing increments, retainer treatment, deposition and trial minimums, cancellation windows, travel time, expenses, and rush work. Clear terms reduce billing surprises for both the expert and retaining counsel.
Check the fit before discussing price
Confirm conflicts, scope, records, deadline, possible testimony, and whether the question is actually within your expertise. A high fee does not make an unsuitable engagement appropriate.
Sources and limits
These sources provide broad public market context. They do not establish a universal fee, a required HIVE rate, or an earnings outcome for a particular professional.
How to evaluate a matter
Review a minimum-disclosure summary first. Confirm fit, deadline, records, and conflicts. Distinguish evidence from uncertainty and decline work that requires an unsupported conclusion.
Continue the physician fee-series
- How to Build a Physician Expert-Witness Fee Schedule
- Physician Expert-Witness Retainers Explained
- Physician Expert Deposition Fees vs Trial Fees
- Cancellation Policies for Physician Experts
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Join HIVE FreeSign InEducational information only. Qualification requirements vary by jurisdiction and matter. This is not legal advice.