Dr Phelps said she had given Dr Wooldridge ample time to apologise for what he had said and it was now time for legal action.

"I have legal advice that I can sue and I will win ... I have given Dr Wooldridge ample opportunity to apologise, but no apology has been forthcoming."

Dr Phelps met legal representatives to discuss action after a third letter was sent to Dr Wooldridge warning of action if no apology was received by 5pm.

On Melbourne radio, while discussing the federal budget proposal to tighten access to cholesterol-lowering drugs, Dr Wooldridge said that Dr Phelps' main qualifications were in the media instead of any medical specialist area.

He also accused her of spreading "dangerous information" about the need for drugs that lower cholesterol.

It is believed that although Dr Phelps has indicated legal action, her legal representatives from Bush Burke and Co in Sydney are yet to officially issue the writ.

"Dr Wooldridge still has a chance to withdraw the denigrating remarks to me and my profession and, by implication, to all Australian general practitioners," Dr Phelps said.

A spokesman for Dr Wooldridge said he maintained there was no need for an apology and he was disappointed that Dr Phelps felt it necessary to take this action.

Dr Wooldridge is also under fire from the Tasmanian Government for remarks he made about state Health Minister Judy Jackson. Tasmanian Premier Jim Bacon is demanding an apology after the media reported comments Dr Wooldridge made during a food and grocery council dinner.