Auto accidents are common worldwide – and are a major cause of long term injuries and deaths. Some injuries result in chronic pain, physical limitation, and lifelong disabilities.
Naturally, injuries are treated by doctors and surgeons. However, a good chiropractor is a great addition to your arsenal while recovering from an auto accident injury.
Chiropractors are medical professionals who treat musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders.
There are certain factors that must be considered before seeking chiropractic treatment for auto accidents and injuries.
1. Type of injury
Chiropractic treatment usually includes spinal manipulation, which might not be ideal for some injuries, including bone fractures, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury.
Additionally, neck or back injuries with conditions like impinged nerves, herniated discs, and fractured vertebrae require specialized care – and may require collaborated treatment from a chiropractor and a medical doctor.
Also, chiropractors cannot prescribe medication, perform surgeries, and other invasive procedures.
In other words, it is best to go to a multidisciplinary clinic where medical doctors and chiropractors work together. This way, you will have all the professional care you need for a speedy recovery.
2. Your insurance plan
Insurance is one of the best ways of mitigating unforeseen risks like auto accidents. There are various insurance plans, including auto insurance, which could help you settle your bill with the chiropractor after your treatment. Auto insurance includes benefits for medical care, some states call it PIP (personal injury protection) or MEDPay.
However, you will be required to complete a personal injury protection form so that your auto insurance can cover your medical expenses. Again, you have to claim your personal injury benefits early enough after the accident – to avoid challenges by the auto insurance of whether your injury is related to the auto accident or not.
Unfortunately, an insurance plan may be limited to specific health care professionals. That means, if your insurance plan does not cover chiropractic treatment, you will be forced to go back to your pocket for the medical bills. Some chiropractors and other health professionals will treat you on a lien. The lien will be paid back through the settlement.
3. Find the right chiropractor
Finding a good chiropractor isn’t always a straightforward task, and the choices you make will impact your general health, the quality of care you receive, the costs you incur, among other things. This is why you must get it right when looking for a chiropractor.
You can get a good chiropractor through referrals. Your primary care doctor should be the first person you go to for referrals. Since doctors are in the same profession as chiropractors, they will most likely know a good chiropractor in your area.
You can also ask your family or friends if they know someone who provides quality chiropractic treatment.
Alternatively, you can do a thorough research online for the “best chiropractor near me”- since it is a digital world, almost all professionals have websites. You will find all the information about the chiropractor, the services they offer, any specialties, credentials, and any other useful information.
You can also read reviews from previous patients and find out what other people are saying about the chiropractor. Patient reviews reflect their experience, wait times, scheduling appointments, office environment, and other experiences with the chiropractor. Should you find negative reviews from most of the patients, go for another alternative.
4. Check for credentials
Every health professional requires specialized training and knowledge. But, to be sure, you can always ask a professional for information on their qualifications.
A practicing license can also help you confirm the credibility and education of the chiropractor. It affirms that the chiropractor has all the training, skills, knowledge, and experience to give you the care you need.
Again, the chiropractor must not have any history of malpractice claims or disciplinary actions. The state website will have all the information regarding a chiropractor’s training hospital, certification, schools attended, and any malpractice and disciplinary history.
Alternatively, a legal expert, like the New Jersey personal injury lawyers, can help you do your due diligence and confirm the credibility of a chiropractor.
5. Proximity
Once you sign up for the chiropractic treatment, you may require several sessions to receive adequate care – meaning, you will have to visit the chiropractor regularly. Considering your injured state due to the auto accident, you will want a chiropractor close to your home or work area for convenience.
A chiropractor located near your home removes the inconvenience of travel and you won’t have to incur huge transport costs during your regular visits to and from the chiropractor’s clinic, thus reducing your medical expenses.
Bottom line
Chiropractic treatment may be essential for many who experience auto accidents, whether with minor injuries, such a whiplash, or severe injuries requiring long-term care. Seek medical doctors who work collaboratively with experienced, reputable and accredited chiropractors for a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to your care. The above guide will help you find the right chiropractor. Here’s to your health.