Can I go see any Doctor after a Car Wreck?

Yes and no, of course depending on your insurance provider. There are insurance providers that may require you to see a car wreck doctor approved by their network. Generally, this is referred to as a IME exam (independent medical exam). However, you do have a right to a second opinion. Simply inform your insurance company that you would like to confirm their Doctor’s findings.

Your family physician is not the best choice after an auto accident; however, we do recommend informing your family doctor about your accident. Although the doctor’s education is the same, most family physicians will not accept third party billing. Family doctors are very different than Car wreck doctors in this way. Your family physician will not accept auto insurance, PIP or Liens. In addition, your family PCP will not understand how to properly document your injuries from the auto accident. Furthermore, if your case goes to court, he won’t testify or be in a position to be an expert witness.

Car wreck doctors know how to treat auto accident related issues. They also understand how to bill through third party and work on medical liens. They can communicate directly with your attorney to pass on sensitive information about your issues and treatment.

How Car Wreck Doctors can bill for your accident treatment

Many physicians will bill in different ways. Your family PCP is going to bill health insurance or cash only. Family doctors just are not set up to handle third party billing. However, in states that have PIP, your family PCP may bill third party. Additionally, most car wreck doctors will bill on an attorney lien, unless you are in a PIP state or have med pay. Of course, there are rules to the exception. For example, some states allow the doctors to bill the at fault auto insurance company directly.

Attorney’s lien

An attorney’s lien is an agreement with your lawyer and your car wreck doctor. The attorney will pay for your medical bills when your case settles. To begin, the settlement check goes into the escrow account. Next, the injury attorney will pay the accident physician out of that settlement funds, after they negotiate (if any) the bills.

Personal Injury Protection (third party)

Personal Injury Protection is billed through third party billing directly to your auto insurance company. The car wreck doctor simply sends his bills in the time allotted by the insurance company to get paid. In some states, there is a limit to how much a carrier will pay the doctor. However, in others, you only have a certain time frame to see a doctor after an auto accident.

Med Pay or medical payments (third party)

Med Pay or Medical Payments is insurance that you have added to your policy.  For example, Med Pay will your car wreck doctor for the treatment of your accident related injuries.  Your car wreck physician can be paid by the insurance company directly by what they deem as fair and necessary treatment. Med Pay is a great layer of protection if you don’t have it already. It pays medical care no matter who was at fault in the collision. Furthermore, it will cover any passengers as well.

Medical lien for Car Accidents

Sadly, medical liens are not very popular in the United States. This is where you and the car wreck doctor have an agreement. To begin, the accident doctor makes you sign a document stating that you will pay your bills when the insurance company settles. However, most car wreck doctors don’t like this way of billing either as it offers them very little protection. Consequently, you may just decide to keep all of the money to yourself. However, the doctor can sue you if you don’t pay your bills.

Third Party Billing (billing at fault auto insurance company)

This type of Billing is very popular in some states such as Virginia and Florida. It is when car wreck doctors bill the at fault auto insurance company either directly or through an injury attorney. In many cases, it can very beneficial for the accident physician to bill this way if they are set up to do so and have trusting attorney relationships.  The most common form of Third Party Billing is through an Attorney’s lien, unless you live in a PIP state.

Documentation of your Auto Accident Injuries

Another reason that your Family Physician may refuse to treat your Auto Injuries is the documentation required.  Car wreck doctors are trained in documenting auto accident issues and treatment.  This is important because the documentation may be used in court or by the insurance company to determine the value of a case.  In addition, a good car wreck doctor is prepared and willing to provide expert testimony if your personal injury case goes to court.  On the other hand, your family PCP is not trained or willing to offer these services to their patients.

Types of Auto Injuries

• Neck Pain
• Back Pain
• Shoulder Pain
• Headaches, Dizziness, Vomiting
• Lack of Motion, Stiffness
• Broken Bones or Fractures
• X-Rays, MRI, Imaging Services
• Ultrasound
• Numbness in Hands, Arms or Legs
• Whiplash

What are some of the symptoms of Whiplash from a Car Wreck?

Whiplash is a general term used to describe a number of neck, back and shoulder injuries. Whiplash Injuries are oftentimes hard to detect using X-Rays, MRI or other imaging devices.  However, by using an integrated approach to medicine, we can locate and treat the source of pain.

Another challenge when treating Whiplash Injuries is that it may take days to feel the pain. This is commonly known as soft tissue damage. Soft tissue damage is very common with Car Accident Injuries, which is why they can be difficult to treat.

Every accident is different and every Injury as well. While Whiplash injuries may be similar, the person involved is different.  Young, healthy patients may only need a few treatments, while older patients may take months or even years. Past Injuries may also affect the healing process. For example, a patient who recently had neck surgery will respond differently to treatment after an accident.

Delayed Pain

Although many injuries such as cuts, fractures and dislocations are immediately evident, others may take days to feel. For example, damage to blood vessels and nerves can take years to fully heal. Unfortunately, your insurance provider may not be around in a year to cover your medical bills.

Healing Process

Our integrated approach to medicine includes Chiropractic Care, MD’s, Physical Therapy and we can refer out to all needed specialty physicians.  Integrated Medicine is a holistic approach to healing that combines each discipline into one. Rather than go to one Chiropractor and a separate Car Wreck Doctor, we offer both in one location.  This allows them to communicate throughout the healing process.

You will receive a detailed evaluation from a car wreck doctor during your first visit. Your team will then prepare a treatment plan.  This plan will be used throughout the treatment process by your team. Each physician can update the plan daily, which keeps you and your team informed.

Some other things to remember

• Were you aware that Whiplash at speeds of less than 5 mph can cause chronic pain?
• Auto Insurance will cover Chiropractic Care for Car Accidents.
• Whiplash injuries can affect your lower back, jaw, arms and hands, and much more?
• Those who delay treatment after a car accident are far more likely to have prolonged pain and suffering?
• Did you know that delayed treatment may hurt your Personal Injury Case?

Can car wreck doctors help me even if I don’t have money?

Yes.  A qualified car wreck doctor will work on an attorney lien, PIP and/or med pay basis. You should never pay money out of pocket until your case settles with your injury attorney.  At that time, the injury attorney will contact the car wreck doctor to settle the available funds.  All of our car wreck doctors accept third party billing and attorney liens, and you will never pay out of pocket for auto accident injuries.

Who pays for my medical care after a car wreck?

The at fault insurance company is ultimately responsible for any car wreck. In PIP states, the car wreck doctor will bill the at fault insurance company directly. These states include:

• Delaware
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Kansas
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Dakota
• Oregon
• Utah

What’s my car wreck case worth?

Of course, this question is best suited for an injury lawyer. If you had completed all medical treatment and your automobile had already been repaired or replaced, then it would be easier to estimate the value of your case. However, without knowing the medical treatment needed or property damage, there is no simple way to estimate the value of your case. Contact your car wreck doctor to discuss whether an injury attorney will help or hurt your case.

See a Car Wreck Doctor as soon as possible

Seeking immediate medical attention is the only way to guarantee your long term care after a car accident.  Insurance companies look at delayed treatment as a sign that you are not seriously injured. Delayed treatment and gaps in treatment are the two main reasons that claims are challenged by the insurance company.

If you have been hurt in an accident make sure to see our car wreck doctors.