After a car accident, it’s important to be evaluated by an auto accident doctor as soon as you can. How do you choose the best car accident doctor? These tips can help.
Multidisciplinary Care
Not only is it important to see a doctor after a car accident as soon as possible, but when you consider the different injuries people sustain and how complex diagnosis, treatment, and care can be, it’s a good idea to find a place that will cater to all of the patient’s needs.
For example, a car accident patient may need to see a neurologist to assess a potential brain injury or concussion, but they may also need to see an orthopedic physician to evaluate a possible broken bone, and thereafter may need physical therapy. Instead of hopping around to three different facilities and care providers, who may not be able to thoroughly plan care for this single patient, a one-stop doctor’s office can provide all the care needed. Doctors that specialize in auto accident injuries consist of many in-house specialties that can work together as a team and treat the whole patient — and not the individual injury.
Doctors that Only Treat Car Accident Injuries
There are a number of common injuries that result from car accidents, such as brain injury, neurological damage, spine injury, neck injury, whiplash, fractures, dislocations, lacerations, and abrasions. Doctors that specialize in auto accident related injuries know the best way to treat a patient and how comprehensive the treatment needs to be.
Ability to Properly Bill Insurance
When you visit a primary care physician for an ordinary accident or illness, they bill your medical insurance and send you on your way. When you’ve been through a car accident, however, it’s possible that they’ll outright refuse to see you. In Florida, a no-fault state, part of your car insurance policy includes Personal Injury Protection (PIP). This means you can see a doctor, no matter who is at fault, and your bills will be covered without the need to wait on insurance or the result of an investigation or lawsuit.
The issue here is that not all doctors offices can or will bill your PIP insurance — it’s a different process. While many primary physicians just say “no,” it’s best to ensure that any doctor you’re hoping to see knows the ins and outs of PIP billing.
Make the Right Choice
When you look for a doctor following your car accident, there are a number of factors to consider before booking an appointment. Make sure the facility offers a multidisciplinary approach to the medical needs of auto accident patients. It’s also vital to see a doctor who can properly bill your PIP insurance so you can work on what’s most important: Getting better.