Overview
Dealing with medical bills after a car accident can quickly become a daunting task for clients. As medical records review has become a prominent focus in servicing clinical documents, attorneys, too, need to pay attention to the intricacies of medical expenses, all in the effort of servicing client’s best interests. This article seeks to inform and explain how medical billing works after an accident, identify the different parties involved, and explain the importance of medical records review companies.
Categories of Medical Bills
Victims of motor vehicle collisions may be billed for an array of medical services, including, but not limited to:
• ER Charges: patients who attend the emergency room due to an accident are usually treated immediately.
• In-Hospital Expenses: the inpatient charges consist of fees for surgery as well as other treatment procedures.
• Rehabilitation Services: all forms of physical therapy and rehabilitation sessions necessary for access to basic functional ability are included under rehabilitation services.
• Non-Surgical Treatment: chronic conditions that stem from the collision require on-going management and care.
Who is Answerable for the Medical Bills?
The parties who are liable for the payment of the medical expenses have to be traced from the legal and insurance framework:
• Liability Insurance: Medical expenses are usually claimed from the motor vehicle accident liability insurance policy of the negligent party.
• Personal Injury Protection: The Personal Injury Protection, which sometimes is called no-fault insurance, will also pay regardless of who was at fault in an accident in certain states.
• Health Insurance: Clients can utilize their health insurance to pay for medical services, which can be reimbursed later via settlement or judgment.
What Medical Record Review Companies Do
Medical record review companies assist lawyers by performing the following tasks:
• Organizing Medical Records: Putting together all medical records into one cohesive unit for proper presentation.
• Extracting Key Information: Pulling medical information that is important to the client’s case.
• Facilitating Communication: Intermediary between medical providers and the insurance company in order to speed up the claims process.
Barriers to Medical Bill Claims
Any attorney dealing with medical bills faces one or more of the following challenges:
• Disputes Over Liability: Insurance companies fight over who should pay the claim, which delays apportionment of responsibility.
• Costs of Delay: Needed payments for medical treatment by the clients may take too long creating a cash flow problem.
• Entangled Billing: The business of medical billing is so complicated that it can be difficult to sort through the numerous possible.
Recommended Solutions
Attorneys can do the following to streamline the medical bills and claims processes:
• Maintain a Detail File: A separate folder for all medical correspondence including with the insurer.
• Regular Check-ups: Make sure to follow up with the insurance providers in a timely manner to guarantee proper processing of claims.
• Capitalizing on Medical Records Review Services: Access medical records review companies to improve the quality of the claims that are submitted.
Case Studies
Case Study 1 – John Doe’s Accident
• Overview: Incurred in a multi-vehicle accident, John suffered from significant injuries.
• Challenges: Faced fines due to delay in payment of insurance and blame shifting.
• Solutions: His lawyer made use of a medical records review service to document and certify the scope of injuries that John sustained.
• Compensation: John was able to settle his claims with the insurance company such that all the medical expenses were paid and additional damages for pain and suffering were compensated.
Case Study 2 Jane Smith’s Recovery
• Overview: sustained injuries from being rear-ended and had to undergo extensive rehabilitation.
• Challenges: Facing numerous medical expenses and insurance related complications.
• Solutions: The attorney could negotiate better with the insurance company after the records were verified and authenticated through the medical records review company, so all negotiations were based on the correct file without any discrepancies.
• Compensation: Jane was compensated fully for all medical expenses incurred, as well as for future rehabilitation services required.
Conclusion
Navigating the intricacies of a client’s medical bills after a car accident is crucial for an attorney representing him or her. By utilizing a medical billing check service and following a definite work plan, an attorney can efficiently manage medical claim problems. This guide will benefit an attorney who seeks to know more and better serve the needs of their clients.
