MedCo, which runs the system for sourcing the first medical report in qualifying low-value claims arising from road traffic accidents, has published a series of important updates across 2025 and into 2026. For solicitors, insurers, and medical reporting organisations, these changes directly affect how cases are managed, what fees apply, and what is required of every medical expert on the panel.
This article summarises the key announcements from MedCo and explains what they mean in practice.
April 2025: Major Changes to Fixed Costs, MRO Rules and Expert Criteria
The most significant update of recent months came into force on 6 April 2025, following the Ministry of Justice's response to the consultation on Revisions to the Medical Reporting Process for Road Traffic Accident Claims. The changes affect the entire MedCo ecosystem and fall into three main categories.
Fixed Cost Medical Reports, approximately 25% fee increase
The fixed costs of medical reports sourced through MedCo, set by rule 45.62 of the Civil Procedure Rules, rose by about 25% for claims notified from 6 April 2025. The first report is now £226, up from £180, and further reports from a consultant in A&E medicine and a consultant orthopaedic surgeon are fixed at £451 and £527. Practitioners and case managers should update their cost schedules and budgeting to reflect the revised rates.
Revised MRO Qualifying Criteria
The Ministry of Justice revised the Qualifying Criteria for Medical Reporting Organisations, effective from the same date, and MedCo audits registered MROs against them. MROs must meet the criteria, and continue to meet them, to keep their MedCo registration.
Revised Direct Medical Expert Rules
Alongside the MRO changes, new Direct Medical Expert (DME) Rules came into force. Direct medical experts, those who operate independently of an MRO, are now subject to updated registration and conduct requirements designed to bring consistency between the MRO and direct expert pathways.
The MedCo Offer for Represented Claimants
From 6 April 2025, when a solicitor searches MedCo for a represented claimant, the offer is eight MROs, two Tier 1 and six Tier 2, or seven Direct Medical Experts, depending on the search type, and the solicitor selects one. Unrepresented claimants using the Official Injury Claim service receive a smaller offer.
CPD Requirements for 2025 to 2026: New Mandatory Modules
MedCo has confirmed the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements for medical experts for the academic year 2025 to 2026. The requirements have been updated in two significant ways.
6-Hour Annual Requirement Maintained
The annual CPD requirement for MedCo-accredited medical experts is 6 hours for 2025/2026. Experts must complete it within the CPD year, which runs from 1 June to 31 May, to keep their accreditation.
Mandatory Modules, a New Requirement
In addition to the 6 hours, MedCo has introduced more mandatory modules. These are distinct from, and additional to, the standard 6-hour requirement. Key points for MROs and instructing solicitors:
- Mandatory modules must be completed even if an expert has already fulfilled their 6-hour requirement
- The first mandatory module is an annual test module, introduced early in the CPD year
- Modules cover common issues and themes identified through MedCo Quality Assessment and audit processes
- Future mandatory modules may address changes in legislation or key issues affecting medico-legal reporting
- Shorter completion deadlines apply to mandatory modules compared to the standard CPD cycle
MROs and instructing solicitors should ensure that the medical experts on their panel are aware of the new mandatory module requirement and the earlier deadlines. Failure to complete mandatory modules will affect an expert's ability to accept instructions through the portal.
2026: MedCo Board Annual Review Completed
At its most recent meeting, the MedCo Board of Directors completed a full review of the organisation's operations and unaudited financial accounts for the year ending 31 December 2025. The Board also considered projected operating costs for the period ahead. No material changes to operational structure were announced as part of this review.
What These Changes Mean for Legal and Insurance Professionals
Taken together, the April 2025 updates changed fees, MRO standards, expert rules and the scope of the MedCo offer in a single package. The key takeaways are:
- Update cost budgets to reflect the revised FCMR fee structure applicable from 6 April 2025
- Verify that your chosen MRO remains registered and compliant under the revised Qualifying Criteria
- Ensure medical experts you instruct are maintaining their CPD including the new mandatory modules
- Note the represented-claimant scope of the revised MedCo offer when managing cases involving legal representation
Expert Medical and MedCo Compliance
Expert Medical Examination Ltd is a MedCo-registered Medical Reporting Organisation. MedCo audits registered MROs against the Ministry of Justice's qualifying criteria, including the revised criteria in force from April 2025. We instruct experts registered with the GMC or HCPC.
If you have questions about how the MedCo changes affect your cases, or if you would like to discuss instructing Expert Medical for medico-legal reporting, our team is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm. Call us on 0203 8233 222 or email info@expertmedical.co.uk.