Primary Care Doctor won’t see me after car accident
After a car accident, many victims visit their primary care physician (PCP) only to discover that their PCP won’t treat them. In some cases, PCPs may agree to provide treatment, but they require upfront payment. This is because PCPs typically do not engage in third-party billing or work on a medical lien basis.
Family doctors’ offices are generally set up to bill medical insurance companies, not auto insurance companies. As a result, your medical treatment options with a PCP can be very limited following a car accident. This is why it’s crucial to seek out a doctor who specializes in car accident recovery.
Family Doctors bill Health Insurance not Auto insurance
Family doctors and primary care physicians usually have contracts with health insurance companies. When you visit your PCP after a car accident, they will likely ask how you were injured. If you mention it was due to a car crash, they will often require upfront payment, as they won’t bill the health insurance company. Most personal injury patients don’t have the extra funds to pay for medical care out-of-pocket.
In my extensive career, I’ve seen only one instance where a health insurance provider covered medical services for a car accident injury, and that was in Georgia. Many patients I’ve worked with have not had such luck with their health insurance covering their visits for car accident injuries.
If you’re sick, your primary care doctor is your best bet. However, if you’ve been injured in a car wreck, they may not be the most suitable doctor to see. They typically won’t file third-party claims and often treat injuries with painkillers and muscle relaxers.
Primary care doctors are familiar with billing health insurance and know the exact reimbursement for each procedure. When your family doctor attempts to file a third-party claim with an auto insurance company, they face uncertainty regarding what will be covered. You might think it should be straightforward: see your family doctor, get treated, and have them file a third-party claim. However, auto insurance companies tend to negotiate bills, a process your family physician is not inclined to handle.
Primary Care Doctors and Third-Party Billing
Primary care doctors generally do not handle third-party billing, which involves billing the auto insurance company rather than a health insurance provider. Most primary care offices are set up to work with health insurance companies, not auto insurers. While your primary care doctor may agree to treat you after a car accident, they will likely require upfront payment for their services.
The billing structure of primary care doctors is designed to work with health insurance, not auto insurance. Although it may seem like these systems should be similar, they are quite different. In some states with Personal Injury Protection (PIP), your primary care doctor might be able to file third-party claims, but this is not common practice.
Handling third-party billing requires specialized knowledge and resources. Most family doctors have established systems for billing health insurance companies and are not willing to adapt these systems to deal with auto insurance. They prefer to avoid the hassle of negotiating with auto insurance companies or attorneys over the phone, which can be time-consuming and complicated.
Why Primary Care Physicians Require Upfront Payment After Car Accidents
In most states, it’s common for primary care physicians (PCPs) to request payment upfront, especially when it comes to treating auto accident injuries. If your doctor hears that your injury is due to a car accident, they might refuse service unless you pay out-of-pocket. This situation can leave you struggling to find a doctor even if you have health insurance.
Table of contents
- Primary Care Doctor won’t see me after car accident
- Family Doctors bill Health Insurance not Auto insurance
- Primary Care Doctors and Third-Party Billing
- Why Primary Care Physicians Require Upfront Payment After Car Accidents
- Why PCPs Prefer Immediate Payment
- Why Primary Care Doctors Usually Don’t Treat Auto Accident Injuries
- Health Insurance and Auto Accident Injuries
- The Importance of Documentation for Soft Tissue Injuries
- Auto Insurance Companies and Third-Party Claims
- The Importance of Seeing a Doctor After an Auto Accident
- Why You Need a Specialist in Auto Accident Injuries
- Conclusion
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Non-PIP States and Out-of-Pocket Costs
In states without Personal Injury Protection (PIP), it’s almost guaranteed that your primary care doctor will not handle third-party claims. They will typically ask for payment upfront, which can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. Many car accident victims simply cannot afford these costs. Additionally, many PCPs lack experience in treating auto accident injuries.
The Challenge with Attorney Liens
PCPs usually won’t agree to a medical or attorney lien, which is an agreement that ensures the doctor gets paid once your personal injury case is settled. These liens protect the doctor financially but require them to wait for payment, which can take 6-9 months or longer if litigation is involved. In contrast, health insurance payments are typically processed within 90 days, making liens less appealing to doctors.
Why PCPs Prefer Immediate Payment
Primary care doctors generally prefer to be paid at the time of service. Even if you have health insurance, you might need to pay a deductible before the doctor files for the rest. Your family doctor is unlikely to collaborate with your attorney on a lien. This is partly due to professional dynamics and partly because their billing departments are not set up to handle the complexities of attorney interactions and collections. They are accustomed to dealing with health insurance, not legal claims.
Why Primary Care Doctors Usually Don’t Treat Auto Accident Injuries
Primary care doctors handle a wide range of health issues, but soft tissue injuries from car accidents typically fall outside their expertise. Soft tissue injuries affect the ligaments, muscles, and tendons in areas such as the neck and back. These injuries, caused by the sudden impact of an auto accident, can result in:
- Whiplash
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Headaches
- Tingling sensations in arms, fingers, legs, etc.
- Muscle weakness
- Insomnia
Health Insurance and Auto Accident Injuries
In most states, health insurance covers illnesses and surgeries effectively but often excludes auto accident injuries. Health insurance policies may have specific exclusions for such injuries, buried in the fine print. This limitation can be due to the contracts between health insurance companies and primary care doctors.
Why Your Primary Care Doctor May Refuse to File Health Insurance Claims
When your primary care doctor knows your injury is from a car accident, they may refuse to file a health insurance claim. This refusal is often because they have contracts to provide services at reduced costs for health insurance companies, while personal injury cases typically pay more. Consequently, your doctor might prefer upfront payment to avoid lower reimbursements and the hassle of third-party billing.
The Importance of Documentation for Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries require detailed documentation, as they don’t show up on X-rays. This documentation is crucial for your personal injury attorney to prove your case. It includes medical reports, bills, and notes from the treating doctor. Without proper documentation, you may not have a viable personal injury case or lawsuit.
Unfortunately, primary care doctors are not equipped to provide the necessary documentation for personal injury cases. Even if they do document your injury, it may not meet the requirements for legal proceedings. Additionally, primary care doctors typically do not testify on behalf of patients in court.
The Role of Attorneys in Personal Injury Cases
Some personal injury attorneys mistakenly believe that any doctor can handle auto injuries. However, if you see your primary care doctor and cannot pay the medical bills, they may go to collections, potentially harming your credit. Attorneys are dedicated to winning your case, as they only get paid upon success. However, a settlement is not beneficial if it results in financial strain due to unpaid medical bills.
Most personal injury attorneys prioritize their clients’ best interests, but it’s crucial to ensure that your medical and legal teams are aligned to avoid any adverse effects on your credit and overall case outcome.
Auto Insurance Companies and Third-Party Claims
Auto insurance companies often resist paying for injuries sustained in car accidents. Their primary goal is to save money, not to disburse it. This resistance frequently forces accident victims to seek the help of personal injury lawyers as they encounter denied claims or refusal to cover medical expenses.
Recently, some insurance companies have altered their approach to handling medical claims. They may assure you that they will take care of everything, only to backtrack months later. While there are exceptions where insurance companies act promptly and generously, such as paying $2000 for a $600 ER bill, these instances are rare.
The Importance of Seeing a Doctor After an Auto Accident
It’s crucial to visit your primary care doctor immediately after a car accident, rather than waiting until the pain becomes unbearable. However, many victims find that their PCPs do not file third-party claims, leaving them without needed medical support. At Accident Doctor, we connect accident victims with doctors who will file third-party claims and are experienced in handling auto accident injuries. Proper documentation from these doctors is essential for any personal injury case and to secure a successful medical claim recovery.
How Accident Doctor Can Help
At Accident Doctor, we specialize in helping injured individuals find doctors experienced in treating auto accident injuries. If you’ve been injured in a car accident and your primary care doctor won’t see you, we are here to help.
Why You Need a Specialist in Auto Accident Injuries
You need a doctor who accepts medical and attorney liens, has extensive experience with auto accident injuries, and understands how to document cases thoroughly. This ensures you receive the maximum recovery from your personal injury lawsuit. Accident Doctor can connect you with a specialist who treats soft tissue injuries and collaborates with attorneys on a medical lien basis, meaning no out-of-pocket expenses for you. Contact us if you need help finding a qualified doctor in your area.
Conclusion
For effective treatment and proper legal documentation after a car accident, it’s best to see a doctor who specializes in auto accident injuries. These specialists understand the nuances of soft tissue injuries, offer comprehensive documentation, and work seamlessly with your attorney to support your personal injury claim.
Get the settlement you deserve and the medical care you need with Accident Doctor. We’re here to ensure you receive comprehensive treatment and support throughout your recovery process.