Car accidents can be frightening and painful, and it can also cause an immense amount of stress. It’s important to get evaluated by a medical professional as soon as you’re able to, as even minor impacts can result in severe injuries (some of which don’t appear for days). What are your options for seeing a doctor after an auto accident?
Emergency Room
Emergency rooms can often be the only choice if an injury is severe or life-threatening. They are also a valid choice even if your life is not in danger, as they can assess your injuries and provide treatment or medication to get you started healing. While an ER has the ability to bill your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, the medical care can be basic if you don’t have a life-threatening situation, and generally, require you to visit another doctor for a follow up a few days later.
Urgent Care
While urgent care is another option for care after an auto accident, you’ll again need to follow up with another doctor as they only assess your immediate injuries and may not give you the comprehensive medical help you need.
Primary Care Physician
Your primary care physician is another option for care after a car accident, but you might be surprised to find out your family physician will outright refuse to see you after you’ve been involved in a wreck. Why? One big reason is that most family doctors aren’t set up to bill your PIP insurance and choose to not see auto accident patients because of it. Another reason a primary care physician may not be the best choice is that they may not have the expertise to deal with injuries sustained in a car accident.
Auto Accident Doctor
A doctor that specializes in auto accident injuries, like those found at Florida Physical Medicine, is often the best choice for emergency room follow ups — or even your first visit with a physician if your injuries aren’t life-threatening. For starters, they are experienced with PIP billing, which is one reason primary care doctors might not agree to see you. PIP billing can be complicated, but car accident doctors are completely capable of working within the requirements to ensure there are no delays or complications with your insurance.
Also, auto accident doctors have the specialized care and training needed to properly care for, diagnose and treat injuries sustained in a car accident. Additionally, your care will be properly documented with clear details that list the exact nature of your physical injuries and what treatment has been prescribed.
Florida Physical Medicine also provides a variety of specialties and a team of highly qualified specialists who work together to treat the whole person — not the problem. Your individualized treatment plan may include physiatry, interventional pain management, orthopedics, physical therapy or neurology.
Get the Care You Need
Our comfortable and caring environment provides an opportunity for proper diagnosis and a complete treatment plan that caters to your individual needs.