While experiencing a car accident is bad enough, dealing with the Doctors, Attorneys and mechanics only make matters worse. Car wrecks are one of the most stressful events many of us will ever experience in life. Moreover, many collision injuries are unique and require special attention from a trained accident doctor. Many accident victims will visit the Emergency Room to diagnose any life-threatening injuries. However, the ER will not provide long term treatment, and will oftentimes recommend seeking follow up treatment from an accident doctor within a few days to a week.
Can I see any Doctor after the Emergency Room?
There are Doctors who accept health care and/or cash for payment, and then there are Doctors who handle accident injuries. Many family Primary Care Physicians will not accept third party billing, which is a general name for car insurance, PIP, Med Pay, NO Fault and Letters of Protection from an attorney. Make sure to ask if your family Doctor accepts third party billing before receiving treatment or you could get stuck with the medical bills.
Now for the good news. There are Medical Doctors, Chiropractors and Physical Therapists who specialize in complicated automobile accident injuries. Moreover, these Doctors are trained in the documentation required for a successful personal injury claim. Whereas, most family PCPs are not trained on the documentation required for slip and fall and automobile cases, which is why they will likely deny accident treatment.
What is the time frame to see a Doctor after a car wreck?
We generally recommend seeking treatment within 72 hours after any serious car accident. Of course, PIP coverage gives all passengers access to medical care after any car accident, but you must receive treatment within the time determined by your State. You can always call one of our Doctors to see if you qualify for PIP coverage or check online.
In addition, delayed treatment may lead to additional injuries and could damage your personal injury claim. Your body is in a weakened state after any serious collision, which leaves you vulnerable to worsening pain and injuries. Make sure that your Accident Physician understands the documentation required for complicated personal injury cases, and accepts third party billing.
Why 72 hours?
Insurance companies use advanced computer software models to calculate injury claims. In these models, 72 hours is commonly seen as a reasonable amount of time to seek medical treatment if you are injured. Moreover, the insurance company is incentivized to limit your injury claim. They will look at delays and gaps in treatment as signs that you are not truly injured, which could damage your injury claim.
Additionally, many automobile accident injuries are considered Soft Tissue Injuries. And while soft tissue damage sounds harmless, many STIs can lead to permanent damage and pain if left untreated. Furthermore, STIs may take days or even weeks to feel and are nearly undetectable with X-Rays, MRI or other imaging. Don’t delay treatment if you have been injured in a car, bus or slip and fall accident. Early detection is one of the keys to a speedy and pain free recovery.
I don’t have money for a Doctor
Not all Doctors welcome accident patients for a number of reasons. For one, many Medical Clinics and physical therapists want their money up front. For example, many Urgent Care Clinics will only accept health care or cash for payment, similar to your Family PCP. Make sure to ask the Doctor if they accept third party billing for car accidents before seeking treatment.
In states that offer PIP or NO Fault coverage, you should not pay out of pocket for medical care following an auto accident. PIP insurance allows the Doctor to bill the insurance company directly, without the need of an attorney. However, if your injuries will require more treatment than PIP will cover, then you may need to hire an Injury Attorney. Talk to your Doctor about the pros and cons of using an attorney.
If you don’t know what to do after a car crash, contact our team and we will help you find a qualified Accident Doctor, and Attorney if needed. Our team can help you get treatment within 72 hours, from an Injury Clinic that accepts third party billing. Moreover, all of our Physicians are trained in the documentation required for complicated collision cases.
Is it ok to go see my chiropractor after my accident?
The insurance company uses a software model that recognizes a chiropractor as a qualified physician. A chiropractor is a Doctor with a specialized focus on more natural, non-evasive medical care. Chiropractors can do more than just crack your neck and back. A good Chiropractor will provide a medical exam similar to your Family PCP; however, they cannot prescribe certain medications.
A qualified accident Doctor can go under many different names. A general list includes chiropractors, medical doctors, physical therapists, pain management specialist and others. However, they all share one thing in common, they specialize in car accident treatment. Most Doctors specialize in one area, which makes them exceptional in that area of treatment. A good accident clinic will offer an integrated approach to accident and injury treatment that includes a team of Doctors.
Can I use my health insurance for car accident treatment?
Third party billing for car accidents does not include health insurance. Moreover, the insurance company will likely deny your claim, leaving you owing the medical bills. Third party billing includes letters of protection from an attorney, PIP, NO Fault, Med Pay and other standard automobile insurance plans. It is always a good idea to ask your Injury Doctor if they accept third party billing before receiving treatment. This will ensure that you do not get stuck paying out of pocket for treatment.
Call today if you or someone you love were injured in a car accident. All of our clinics offer an integrated approach to medical care including Medical Doctors, Chiropractors and Physical Therapists.