Question on Insurance Settlement

[Brat]

Insurance claims folks think Chiropractors are a crock.

What might meet your needs and keep the claims folks happy is to see your doc and get a referral to PT for extended treatment. Many a PT can treat neck strains as effectively as a Chiropractor.

 

[cute fuzzy bunny]

This could quickly turn into another reciprocated diatribe, but at least in the US insurance folks havent considered chiropractors a 'crock'. Chiropractor visits are now covered by many, if not most, insurance packages.

My ex girlfriend of 10 years had an accident like BMJ's. Every "real" doctor worked on her, mostly prescribing pain relievers. After her first visit to a chiropractor, she felt 100% better and has sworn by them since. Myself, i've never gone to one. Saw the difference in her life though.

 

[Brat]

I don't think Chiropractors are a crock, I had an apointment with mine this am, she has worked wonders for my husband.  Claims adjusters have an issue, however. 

My concern is that Jim receive appropriate treatment and that he have credability should he have a long lasting condition as a result of the accident.

 

[REWahoo]

The problem insurance adjusters have with chiropractors is the relationship some chiropractors have with personal injury lawyers.

In some states it is common practice for sleazy aggressive PI lawyers to obtain clients by reviewing police accident reports (public records), contacting anyone involved in the accident with an offer to represent them. Once the client signs on, the PI refers them to a specific chiropractor who (always) finds a problem, and treats the individual for 90 days, the maximum the insurance company will normally pay for. Then the chiropractor says "nothing else I can do for you"...unless the client wants to pay out of their own pocket.

This scam relationship between the PI and chiropractor is known to the insurance adjuster because they see virtually every client of PI "x" treated by chiropractor "y". This is certainly questionable from an ethical standpoint, but isn't illegal unless they catch the chiropractor giving a kickback to the PI for each client referred to them, which has happened on several occasions.

This is why insurance adjusters cringe when you tell them you are being treated by a chiropractor.

No, not all chiropractors are bad. Just as there are bad (and good) used-car salesmen and financial advisors, there are bad (and good) chiropractors.

 

[Gonzo]

BMJ

I would not sign off until you feel 100%... in  fact the adjuster did not want to make an offer until I told him I was back to 100%.

Gonzo

 

[sailaway]

As a phsician I saw a thousand initial injurgies. I usually told them to call the arjuster, tell them honestly what is wrong, that you just want to be well, car and medical paid and paid for your time and suffering if any. Tell them you do not want to have to get a lawyer (which automatically drags it on 6 months) but you expect prompt and good service to put it all behind. Never tell them you are OK, never sign anything that allows them to get your records.

When you are OK and your doctor agrees at that settle fairly. If you get a lousy adjuster, then get a lawyer but I would expect generally no additional money in the end and much more time and effort. When companies are grossly unfair, then an attorney can be of a great service.

Sailaway