Yes, you can choose your own doctor after a car accident in Fort Lauderdale. PIP coverage doesn’t have the in-network and out-of-network distinction for doctors that health insurance does. However, a doctor can refuse to see patients covered by PIP for their own reasons.
Here’s what you need to know about choosing a doctor after a car accident from our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers.
Doctor Selection Under PIP Insurance
Unlike health insurance plans, Florida PIP insurance generally allows you the freedom to choose your own doctor without network restrictions. You can select any qualified medical provider for treatment after your car accident.
Florida law gives you broad flexibility in choosing healthcare providers under PIP coverage. You can see:
- Emergency room doctors
- Primary care physicians
- Specialists such as orthopedists or neurologists
- Chiropractors
- Dentists (for accident-related dental injuries)
- Hospital-based physicians
The only critical requirement is that you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of your accident to qualify for PIP benefits. This timeline is strictly enforced, but within that window, you have the freedom to choose your provider.
It’s worth noting that while you can choose any qualified medical provider, some physicians opt not to accept PIP cases due to the complexity of billing and the 80% payment limitation. This is not a restriction imposed by your insurance policy but rather a business decision made by some medical practices.
Dealing with Medical Payments Coverage
Some drivers carry additional Medical Payments coverage (Med Pay) that supplements PIP. Med Pay is an optional coverage that can be extremely valuable after an accident.
Med Pay usually covers the 20% of medical expenses not paid by PIP, as well as your PIP deductible if you have one. This additional coverage can make it easier to choose your own doctor after a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, as providers know they’ll receive 100% payment rather than just the 80% that PIP covers.
With Med Pay, you maintain the same freedom of provider choice as with PIP, but face fewer financial barriers when seeking treatment. This can be particularly valuable when you require specialized care for serious injuries that might otherwise incur significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Common Challenges in Doctor Selection
Even though Florida PIP allows you to choose your own doctor, accident victims may still encounter challenges when seeking medical care. Some medical providers may be reluctant to accept PIP cases due to:
- The 80% limitation of PIP coverage
- Concerns about reaching the $10,000 coverage limit
- Additional paperwork and specialized billing requirements
- Delays in payment compared to other insurance types
Insurance companies may still question the medical necessity of your treatments. While they cannot dictate which doctor you see, they may:
- Challenge whether specific procedures are accident-related
- Request additional documentation for certain treatments
- Require additional medical exams with their own doctors (IMEs) in some cases
- Set limits on certain types of therapy or treatment frequency
Choosing the Right Specialist for Your Car Accident Injuries
Selecting the right specialist doctor after a car accident in Fort Lauderdale for your specific injuries can dramatically impact your recovery and the strength of your legal claim. Different types of car accident injuries require different medical specialties for optimal treatment.
Head and brain injuries often require evaluation by a neurologist who can properly assess concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and other neurological complications. Back and spinal injuries benefit from treatment by orthopedic specialists or neurosurgeons who focus on spinal issues.
For soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash, sports medicine physicians often provide excellent care. These specialists understand how muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries heal and can develop appropriate rehabilitation plans to prevent long-term complications.
When seeking a specialist, consider these factors:
- Their experience specifically with car accident injuries
- Their understanding of PIP documentation requirements
- Their willingness to testify or provide detailed medical opinions if needed
- Their ability to clearly explain medical issues in terms that insurance adjusters understand
- Their office’s experience with Florida’s PIP billing procedures
How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help with Medical Care Decisions
Our attorneys maintain professional relationships with qualified medical providers who understand the complexities of accident injuries and the proper documentation requirements. We can recommend experienced physicians based on your specific injuries and needs.
Legal representation can also help prevent insurance company interference with your medical treatment. Insurance adjusters sometimes attempt to direct or limit medical care to reduce costs, and having an attorney advocate for your right to appropriate treatment can be invaluable.
We can also help coordinate between multiple insurance coverages when applicable, ensuring you maximize available benefits while maintaining choice in your medical care. This coordination becomes particularly important when your treatment involves both PIP coverage and liability claims.
Contact Our Team for Help with Your Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Case
If you’ve been injured in a Fort Lauderdale car accident and have questions about selecting medical providers, The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help. Since 2005, we’ve assisted thousands of accident victims in choosing a doctor after a car accident in Fort Lauderdale.
Our attorneys understand the importance of quality medical treatment and documentation for both your health and legal case. We can help you understand your rights regarding doctor selection under your specific insurance policies and advocate for your ability to receive appropriate care.
Contact The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today to schedule a free consultation about your car accident case. We’ll answer your questions about selecting a medical provider and explain how our legal representation can help protect your rights throughout your recovery.
We Can Help.
