The quality of your medical care is always important, and you may have spent years curating the right team of doctors for you and your needs. But when you’ve been in a car accident and are looking for a specialist, it can feel like you’re starting from scratch, and with a timeline. It can be tempting to find the first physician you see and get it over with, but choosing a chiropractor in Tucker is an important decision to be taken seriously. This guide provides some considerations to use when deciding who will treat you and your car accident injuries.
Don’t Ignore the Paramedics’ Advice
Your first encounter with medical professionals after an accident will probably be the paramedics who show up at the scene of the accident. After an initial evaluation, these first responders may recommend that you are transported to a hospital. If they determine this, you should probably take their advice. Many accident victims are in shock initially and do not notice the symptoms of severe injuries, so they feel that they do not need this additional help. A paramedic is trained to identify these severe injuries and recommend further care when necessary.
Paramedics know that issues like internal bleeding and brain trauma cannot be easily diagnosed on the side of the road, but can have fatal consequences if not dealt with swiftly. Your first line of defense for care may be the hospital in many cases.
Seek Medical Care As Soon As Possible
If you do not need to go to the hospital, this doesn’t mean you should spend a lot of time avoiding medical care after your accident. It is still possible to have injuries you aren’t aware of for days after an accident, while your adrenaline is still running high and your body may be in shock. However, if these injuries exist and are not properly treated, they can worsen over time.
The sooner you receive treatment, the better medical outcomes you will typically have as well. Addressing problems quickly allows for efficient treatment that can begin the recovery process before problems become more severe.
In addition to the medical benefits of seeking treatment quickly, it can also be beneficial for your insurance settlement. Seeking care near the time of the accident makes it more obvious that you sustained the injury during the accident, rather than later. If you wait a month to visit a chiropractor in Tucker, the insurance adjuster could claim that you sustained the injury in other circumstances. Proactive treatment also shows that you took the injury seriously and it hindered your ability to perform daily activities.
Look for Experience in Car Accident Treatment
If you are pursuing a personal injury claim, the type of doctor you choose can be even more important. The documentation required for these claims is extensive, far more so than traditional medical records tend to be. When your doctor is familiar with the claims process, they can create a medical record that contains all the relevant information. They will also be more familiar with the billing process and how to submit the paperwork needed.
In addition to this benefit, a doctor specializing in car accident victims can provide experience regarding how to diagnose and treat your specific injuries. These specialists can use a combination of techniques and diagnostic imaging to pinpoint your specific condition and build a plan that properly addresses the problem.
Skip the Primary Care Physician
While your primary care doctor is typically a great place to go, they will not have the specialization that a car accident doctor does. In most cases, when you visit your PCP, they will evaluate you for generalized injuries and provide referrals to specialists who can treat those problems more specifically. This process will add time to your treatment process and can delay your recovery process.
Primary care physicians will also not be as skilled in preparing medical records and dealing with insurance companies, which can complicate the process further. While they may assist with your general care, for accident-related issues, going straight to a specialist is often the best choice.
High Quality and Comprehensive Care in Tucker
At AICA Tucker, not only is our specialty car accident care, but we offer a multidisciplinary approach. Our facility includes orthopedists, chiropractors, neurologists, and other professionals who can work together to determine your diagnosis and the best course of treatment. We work with insurance companies on a daily basis and aim to make the process as smooth as possible for you as you recover. If you are in need of a chiropractor in Tucker following a car accident, contact our office today.