To refer a client, call (703) 938-4600 ext. 2.
The short answer
DocTalker Family Medicine performs decisional capacity evaluations for attorneys and their clients across Northern Virginia. The fee is billed based on time, from an $800 minimum. Written findings are commonly ready within 3 business days after the evaluation, or longer if more information is needed. Your client does not need a DocTalker membership.
How to refer a client
- Gather the client's medical records.
- Include any prior outside capacity evaluation.
- Include a current medication list.
- Include the power of attorney document, if there is one.
- Call (703) 938-4600 ext. 2. We will schedule the evaluation and tell you where to send the documents.
What we evaluate
We evaluate capacity for medical decisions, estate planning decisions, and guardianship matters. The process is similar for each. It is more involved when a third party interview is needed or when a challenge goes to court. We can provide a fee schedule on request.
Urgent cases
Evaluations are scheduled based on availability. We do not have a designated expedited option. If the matter is urgent, please tell us when you call.
Primary evaluator or second clinician
Virginia law requires that a person be certified in writing as incapable of making an informed decision by the attending physician and a second qualified clinician, either another physician or a licensed clinical psychologist, each after a personal examination, before a health care agent named in a medical power of attorney or a next of kin can make medical decisions on their behalf.
DocTalker can serve as the primary evaluator or as the second clinician, and we do as much as possible in either role. As the second clinician, we review the primary attending physician's documentation and note where our findings are consistent or where we disagree.
What the letter includes
The written letter explains the reasons, based on a standard evaluation, that the patient has or lacks capacity. When we note them, it also describes possible contributing reasons and reversible causes.
Choosing a clinician
Evaluations are performed by Dr. Arun Bansal or Dr. Alan Dappen. You may request either physician, based on availability.
Common questions from attorneys
The fee is billed based on time, from an $800 minimum. A fee schedule is available on request, and no DocTalker membership is needed.
Findings are commonly ready within 3 business days after the evaluation. It can take longer if we need more information.
Send the client's medical records, any prior outside evaluation, a current medication list, and the power of attorney document, then call (703) 938-4600 ext. 2.
Yes. We can serve as the primary evaluator or as the second clinician. As the second clinician, we review the primary attending physician's documentation for consistency or disagreement.
Yes. You can request Dr. Arun Bansal or Dr. Alan Dappen, based on availability.
Refer a client
Call (703) 938-4600 ext. 2 to refer a client for a capacity evaluation.
For background on how evaluations work, see our full capacity evaluations page.