Chiropractors and Compensation: What You Need to Know About Insurance Claims for Alternative Medical Treatment.
It’s no secret that insurance companies can be difficult to work with following an automobile accident. Whether it be claims for your automobile policy, or filing for compensation for treatment of personal injuries sustained in the collision, many insurance companies have long lists of requirements and fine print that usually result in them trying to give you the least amount of compensation possible.
Many factors go into determining how much compensation you receive following an accident. Distinguishing between diagnosis and treatment is where many insurance adjusters will start, especially when diagnostic tests add up a comparable or greater amount than the treatment itself. Additional factors that can affect you receiving the coverage you are owed are the type and duration of the treatment you receive.
Medical treatment types can be grouped into two categories: traditional and alternative. Unfortunately, one of the most common treatments, following a car accident, chiropractic medicine, is also one that is hard-fought by insurance companies since it is considered alternative. Chiropractors are one of the best choices in treatment for many types of injuries sustained in a vehicular collision, especially for whiplash. Since chiropractors deal with bones, muscles, and connective tissues, they can offer effective relief for pain and suffering following an accident by eliminating symptoms such as…
- dizziness
- headaches
- stiffness
- blurred vision
- arm, neck, and shoulder pain
- reduced range of motion
- lower back pain
Obviously, living with these symptoms can range from uncomfortable to unbearable (depending on the severity of injury) and require prompt treatment that a chiropractor can offer, often better than a traditional physician would be able to. Since chiropractic medicine is considered an “alternative” treatment though, along with acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal treatment, etc., some insurance companies don’t always recognize it as being legitimate, and will offer less compensation than they would if you received treatment in a traditional medical setting.
In addition to the type of treatment received, insurance adjusters also pay close attention to the duration of said treatment. For traditional medicine, few questions are asked. If a doctor prescribes months and months of treatment, they will usually pay out with no problem. However, if the treatment is with an alternative medical choice (like a chiropractor) that is often outside of an approved clinic or hospital, you might have a harder time receiving the compensation you deserve. Adjusters usually believe that alternative doctors are only seeking money, and unnecessarily treat people for extended periods of time. While this is largely false, it still affects many people receiving coverage they need.
If you have been in an automobile accident and believe you are being unfairly compensated for injuries received, give us a call. Sessums Law Group is prepared to help you receive the money you are owed, regardless what your choice of medical treatment may be. We serve the greater Lakeland area, and we will work alongside you every step of the way in your case.
When the unexpected happens, we stand for YOU!
May 26, 2016 Posted in Auto Accidents Tagged auto insurance lawyer Leave a comment
