Pennsylvania...I was hit from behind while sitting at a red light 5 months ago. An older driver failed to stop at the red light and rammed a SVU into me (stopped also).
All 3 of us involved in the accident have the same insurance company. I have hired an attorney as I was getting NO response from both my insurance claim adjuster or anyone regarding the accident claim that I filed. My attorney said to start treatment with a Chripractor asap. Since starting treatment (twice a week)I have been experiencing more headaches and now severe shoulder pain. COncerned that I really dont know what is wrong with my neck, as I still dont have mobility that I had before accident, I asked my PCP if I should get an MRI before pursuing any further treatment, he said DEFINATELY. MRI results came back with 2 herniated disks in my neck. PCP recommended a neurosurgeon for evaluation. I called this neurosurgeon and after being asked typical questions for new patients such as insurance and others, she then asked me if the problem was due to auto accident or work. As SOON as I said auto she then said their office does NOT see auto accident patients!!!!!
Is this legal???? How can they refuse to see me as a patient just because I was involved in an auto accident? The same receptionist told me that no neorosurgeon sees auto accident patients anymore....
Where can I go to get a consulation about my MRI???
The adjustments that are being made to my neck only seem to make things worse, I dont know where to turn...but he keeps insisting to come back twice a week anyway. I am afraid of nerve problems since I have two herniated disks now.

My attorney doesn't know what to tell me also. I am so frustrated!




BY THE WAY shouldn' I have received some type of settlement offer by now????

ANy advice wouldbe so grateful!!!

Doctors choose which insurance companies they will/will not accept, and they often opt out of dealing with certain insurance companies because they know that the reimbursements they will receive are below what it costs to provide service, because the amount of paperwork that the company requires is unduly burdensome, and because of a host of other reasons. That's probably what's happened here -- the downside of treating auto accident patients and dealing with auto insurance companies outweighs the benefits for the doctors. While we'd all like to believe that doctors are in it out of the goodness of their hearts, they have to pay their bills the same as we do. And, outside of emergency rooms, they do not have to see and treat all patients.

If the chiropractor is making your neck worse, stop seeing him. I'd suggest going back to your PCP for recommendations to another neurosurgeon or other specialist. I'd also suggest contacting your health insurance company to see what they will pay for the procedures you need. They may have procedures in place to get reimbursed by the auto insurance company or from any settlement you receive.

I was in a car accident in jan of 2005. And I have been trying to get in to see a specialist for headaches and they want $800 deposit to see me because of the car accident. This really sucks, since I can not get any better if I can not get in to see the right doctors.

this is a bad situation with the doctors, I hope you find someone to help you.

Sherry

I dont understand how they can refuse to see you if you have insurance..... this seems extremely illegal and immoral.
I hope you find treatment for your headaches.

Well I think it has to do with getting paid. I suggest that you call your insurance company and ask them for the names of neurologists that they have worked with regarding injuries like yours. Some doctors will accept payment from an insurance company they have an existing relationship with.

I was also denied service when i had health Insurance. You have to report these Doctor's to your insurance company. See a neurologist first and then see a neuro-surgeon. I too was in a bad accident and now I have 3 plates and 8 screws in my cervical neck. had 3 herniated disks and 2 very well impinged nerves. You need to get a lawyer as you donot know what the future will bring you. and also if you need surgery they are very expensive. Do not talk to the other insurance company. and please stop seeing the chiropracter, they are hurting your neck more. you should be in a brace. with settlements a lot has to do with the other persons insurance policy. best of luck.