Usually, if a doctor is going to be deposed, a video deposition is used instead of using a written transcript of the questions and answers. The main advantage is that a video deposition is less expensive than in-court testimony. Doctors normally charge for their time based on what they could reasonably be earning if they were practicing medicine. A video deposition can be done according to the doctor’s schedule. Normally a video deposition takes a few hours. If the doctor has to testify in court, the doctor will charge for the time he/she is testifying – and also the time he/she needs to get to the courthouse and to wait around until it’s time for the testimony. These additional factors (travel and waiting time) can add a lot of hours/money to the doctor’s fee. A second advantage of a video deposition is that it can be easier for the doctor to access your medical records at his/her office if the doctor needs to review any records during the deposition. The main hesitation with using a video deposition instead of having the doctor testify in court is that live testimony can generally leave more of an impression on the jury. Video depositions tend to sound more clinical. Also, if there are new developments in your medical condition and care since the date of the deposition, then the doctor needs to testify in person to address those new issues.