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What Happens If I'm in a Motor Vehicle Accident- Part 2

Where do I begin?

It happened.  The first step is to talk to the auto insurance company.  If you plan to utilize coverage for your medical bills related to the accident, you must create a claim.

If you are at-fault for the accident, it is important to find out if you have bodily injury coverage through your own insurance. Please note, coverage for medical care for the at-fault driver is not standard on an insurance policy.  We encourage everyone to review their policies to ensure the driver is protected and has coverage.

If the other party is at-fault, you need to acquire their insurance information.  Call and find out if a claim has already been filed or if you need to create one.  If the other driver does not have insurance, contact your auto insurance company.

 

Schedule an appointment.

If you are new to Body Logic or have not received care in the last 6-12 months, you will need to schedule a new patient appointment.  Please inform our receptionist that the reason you are seeking care is because of a motor vehicle accident.  We will provide instructions to help you be prepared for your upcoming appointment.

If you are a current patient at Body Logic, call and inform our office of the accident before your next appointment.  Our doctors need enough time in the first appointment after the accident to perform an examination.  We want to ensure you receive the necessary attention.  And we do not want to disrupt other patients’ care.

After you have scheduled an appointment, we will email you a link to fill out an intake form.  There are special instructions to ensure the intake form is filled out properly for an auto-injury.  Following these instructions is essential for us to collect the appropriate information to best support your case.

 

What information do I need ready to provide?

We understand it can be overwhelming after being in a car accident.  Providing as much information as possible will help the process go smoothly.  The following information is needed for our office to file your medical bills properly:

  • Auto insurance information of the party responsible for paying your medical bills
  • Claim number
  • Claim adjuster’s name and contact information
  • Attorney’s name and contact information, if legal action is being taken
  • Health insurance information
    • If Body Logic is in-network with your health insurance, we are required to file claims through them first.

 

What paperwork do I need to fill out?

Once at the office for your appointment, there are a handful of additional forms that need to be completed.  Please allot an extra 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment to complete the following paperwork:

  • Motor Vehicle Accident Information Form
  • Authorization Request to Receive and Release Records
  • Patient Record Access Permission
  • Consent to Treatment
  • Financial Policy Agreement
  • Irrevocable Lien
  • Assignment of Benefits
  • HIPAA Notice of Privacy

 

Start Feeling Better!

Once the initial examination and paperwork is completed, it’s time to focus on you!  The doctors will create a treatment plan tailored to your personal condition and situation.  Treatment will include a number of different modalities, such as electrical muscle stimulation or stretches and exercises, and adjustments.  Appointment frequency is based on the doctors recommendations.  Periodically, a progress examination will be performed.  The assessment provides objective information regarding your condition and the progress of healing.  This takes time.  Refer to the prior motor vehicle accident article to review the stages of healing after trauma.  We will work together as a team to provide the best care possible as your body heals.   It is our goal to reduce pain and restore function to the body.

Now What?

Once your body has reached what’s called “maximum clinical improvement” treatment ends- related to the motor vehicle accident.  The doctors complete and compile all the clinical notes related to your case.  The additional paperwork is gathered and an invoice is printed.  The paperwork is then forwarded to either your attorney, if there is litigation involved, or the insurance company responsible for paying.  And we wait for the claim to be processed.

Whether or not you were a patient prior to the accident, we always recommend you continue with chiropractic care to maintain your spinal health and integrity.  Just like going to the dentist to ensure your teeth are healthy, visiting your chiropractor to ensure your spine is healthy is important for overall health.  At Body Logic, we enjoy long-term relationships with our patients to help them move better, feel better, and live better!