Monday
Dec132010

Personal Injuries

Personal injury claims can arise out of many different situations, but by far the most common are motor vehicle accidents.  The Ireland Clinic of Chiropractic, LLC. offers same day appointments and has a team of chiropractors who are skilled at diagnosing and treating injuries sustained during an accident including whiplash.  Dr. Adams holds an Advanced Certification in Whiplash Traumatology from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego.  Our goal is to relieve the cause of your pain and start the healing process.

Our administrative office is experienced in personal injury billing and welcomes the opportunity to assist you.  Because there are no specific laws regarding the billing of personal injury claims as there are for work injuries, each situation can be different.  Each insurance company, as well as, each adjuster within the company approach personal injury claims differently.  A strong and positive working relationship between your healthcare provider and the insurance industry helps your claim go smoothly.  

In Alaska, when you are hurt in an accident that is the fault of another driver, the insurance of the at-fault party does not pay medical bills at the time of treatment, but waits until you settle your accident claim.  Your insurance can be billed if you have Medical Payment coverage (MedPay). MedPay is available from all insurances to cover healthcare bills that arise from injuries involving a motor vehicle, including being struck as a pedestrian.  In some cases, MedPay can also provide payment for lost wages as a result of your injuries.  Medical Payment coverage is a separate add-on to your regular automobile coverage. A person may carry “full coverage insurance” and not have MedPay, or carry “liability only” but choose to add MedPay .  A quick call to your agent or insurance company can let you know if you have Medical Payment coverage.  It is also wise to verify the amount of your MedPay coverage especially if you’ve had the same policy for a number of years.

If a person injured in a motor vehicle accident does not carry Medical Payment coverage, then commercial health insurance, such as Blue Cross, can be billed under a subrogation agreement.  This typically requires a letter or written notice from the auto insurance carrier stating there is no MedPay available.