Which Doctors Accept No-Fault Car Insurance?
Being in a car accident is an extremely traumatic event. And one of the first things you need to do when you have been in one is seek medical attention. The first name that pops into your head is probably your family doctor. But what happens when that doctor refuses to treat your injuries after a car accident? This happens more often than most people think, and more often than not, they do not even know why they are being refused treatment in the first place. The main reason for this is no-fault car insurance. Most doctors do not want to treat patients with this type of insurance for a number of reasons.
Why Most Doctors Will Not Treat You When You Have No-Fault Car Insurance
Here is a look at some of the reasons why some doctors will not accept no-fault car insurance and refuse to treat you after a car accident.
- Some Insurance Companies Deny/Delay Payment: It almost seems like the goal of some insurance companies is to avoid making payments for injuries sustained in any type of accident, including auto accidents. Some companies deny, delay or cut payment to physicians. This poses a major problem for doctors who treat you after you have been injured in a car accident. The no-fault insurer may want to “verify” your injuries, and some may want to stop paying for your treatment. They may send you for an IME, or Independent Medical Examination, with doctors that are sympathetic to their cause in an attempt to show that your injuries are non-existent or minimal.
- Litigation: There are car accident cases where both parties cannot agree on a settlement and going to trial is unavoidable. When this happens, your health care provider may get deposed by the two litigating parties or be subpoenaed to testify in court. The last thing that doctors want is to deal with attorneys and depositions. Physicians are much for interested in treating different types of illnesses and conditions than testifying in open court. Additionally, the whole process of testifying and being involved in litigation can be time consuming and costly as it keeps them away from their offices where they could be tending to the patients who need and pay for their services.
- Billing Car Insurance Companies: Doctors are used to billing health insurance providers, not auto insurance companies. If you have been injured in an auto accident, physicians must bill the car insurance company. While the average person might not think that it is a major change, it is a substantial one for the physician who must deal with it. There are different rules, regulations, forms, co-pays, stipulations, limits, and the list goes on. Most doctors are unfamiliar with the method of billing that auto insurance companies use, and it is a major hassle for them to deal with this type of billing.
If you have been injured in a car accident, it is best to seek medical treatment from a doctor who limits their practice to car accident patients. You should also make sure that they have knowledge about no-fault insurance and experience in handling such claims. They will know exactly how to document your injuries and bill the car insurance company.
Call the PIP Medical Doctors at Chambers Medical Group after a No-Fault Car Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact Chambers Medical Group at 1-888-6BackMan to get great care from a team of trained and experienced car accident doctors and chiropractors.
Chambers Medical Group has experienced car accident experts at the following locations: