Clive Palmer is recovering from a severe case of pancreatitis which his legal team said prevented him from giving evidence to the Federal Court on Tuesday, but a judge has ordered him to attend on Wednesday.

Mr Palmer's GP Reza Madah was ordered to appear before Justice John Dowsett on Tuesday afternoon to explain why the former MP was a no show.

Mr Palmer was due to be questioned by the Special Purpose Liquidators of Queensland Nickel about the whereabouts of his globetrotting nephew and former refinery director Clive Mensink.

Dr Madah said Mr Palmer was rushed to hospital in March but after several days of care discharged himself against recommendations.

He had since been suffering from pain and "his condition fluctuates", Dr Madah told the court.

But when asked if Mr Palmer's medical condition was bad enough to prevent him from physically attending court, Dr Madah conceded it was not.

"Physically he could attend with assistance," Dr Madah said.

Mr Palmer's doctor, Reza Madah, arrives at the Federal Court in Brisbane. ( AAP: Dave Hunt )

Dr Madah was shown a live interview Mr Palmer conducted with a national breakfast television program on May 1 where the hosts commented on how well he looked after losing 58 kilograms.

He agreed there was no evidence of confusion or forgetfulness during the interview.

"Life's more enjoyable, you can go for a walk, talk to people so it's a disciplined approach and what you put in is what you get out," Mr Palmer said during the television segment.

In light of the doctor's evidence, Justice Dowsett decided against adjourning the public examination and scheduled Mr Palmer to attend on Wednesday afternoon.

Mr Palmer's barrister Andrew Boe originally said Dr Madah was not available today because he was in surgery, but said it was not a "tactic" in anyway.

Queensland Nickel refinery neat Townsville collapsed last year, with hundreds losing their jobs. ( AAP: Andrew Rankin )

Mr Boe had also asked the judge to conceal the affidavit because of concerns Mr Palmer might be embarrassed if his medical issues were made public.

Despite not being able to attend court, Mr Palmer's social media account was active on Tuesday morning, with the businessman posting several federal budget-related items to his Twitter account.

Where in the world is Clive Mensink?

In respect of Mr Mensink's whereabouts, Mr Boe contended it was outside the scope of public examination powers for his client to be questioned about it.

But Tom Sullivan QC, who is acting for the special purpose liquidators, refuted that, saying it was well within the law "particularly when they have gone overseas and are avoiding contact".

In March, two warrants were issued for Mr Mensink's arrest for failing to appear at court.

At the time, his lawyer said he had been unable to contact his client, who is on a year-long overseas holiday, so he might not be aware he was required in court.

A doctor in Boston also said it would be too stressful for Mr Mensink to return home to face a public examination.