Personal Injury (injured in a motor vehicle accident) Cases
Auto Insurance Med Pay
Please note that regardless of fault, if you have Med Pay on YOUR auto insurance policy, this is the first place that should be billed. It is your insurance company’s obligation to handle your claims, regardless of fault; this is why you bought this portion of the policy. Even if the accident was not your fault, we bill YOUR auto insurance company, and they will seek payment from the third party’s (hitter’s) insurance company. Sometimes, the third party’s insurance company will claim that they pay us directly. It has been our experience that this is not the case, in fact they have no legal obligation to pay our bill unless you make and pursue a claim against them, then their only obligation is to pay you. Please make arrangements for the third party’s insurance company to reimburse your insurance company for your medical claims.
If you have Med Pay on your auto insurance policy, then you should plan on using that first. Supply the front desk with your policy information and we will verify Med Pay benefits for you. Do not be afraid to use these benefits. You pay for them every month and it is our understanding that it is illegal for your insurance company to raise your rates for using your Med Pay benefits if you are not at fault for the accident.
Some policies have what is called “Excess Med Pay”. This means that you must bill your group health insurance benefits first before submitting claims to your auto insurance company. When your Med Pay benefits are verified by our front office, we will find out if that is the case. If you do not have group health insurance, you “Excess Med Pay” benefits will go into effect. Please notify the front desk of your group health insurance status and supply them with your insurance card, if you have one.
Group Health Insurance Benefits
If you do not have Med Pay or Excess Med Pay on your auto insurance policy we will bill your health insurance and you will be responsible for the amount that they do not pay. This includes copays, deductibles, and “amounts not allowed” for participating providers. Please note that we do not accept group health insurance benefits as full payment when there is a third party.If you receive a settlement on a third party case and your group health insurance paid part of your medical claims, they may request a refund. Please contact your health insurance company regarding this matter.
Cash Personal Injury Cases
If you do not have insurance, or if you choose to pay at the time of service for your personal injury case, you may do so. You will be responsible for paying the entire amount due at the time of service, and you will be supplied with a receipt for your records. It will then be your responsibility to bill any other party for your claim.
Personal Injury Attorney
If you retain a personal injury attorney, and if they are approved by this office, we will accept a lien. The lien is signed by you and your attorney and it ensures that we will be paid at the settlement of your third party claim. If you have a signed lien, we can still bill your group health insurance and Med Pay, but you wouldn’t be responsible for payment of the remainder of your medical expenses until the settlement of your claim. Ultimately, you are responsible for the total amount of your bill. The terms are explained in the lien agreement. We reserve the right to cancel the lien agreement at any time. Once released from care, payment is due within six (6) months. We reserve the right to charge a $25.00 service charge per month on the unpaid balance until settlement.
If you need a referral to an attorney, please ask and we will provide a list of attorneys that specialize in personal injury cases.
If you have any questions regarding our billing policies, please contact us. We strive to provide the best possible care while helping you make your case go smoothly.
Personal Injury (MVA) Information
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Updated October 23, 2014