Expert: Doctor Settlement - 4/26/2007

Question
i was involved in an accident and hurt my knee.  my medical bills at this time come to about 1700 dollars and i know you need at least 2000 to file a claim.  my knee still hurts, but my doctor won't approve me to go to PT or get an MRI because he feels that time will heal it.  can i go into any ER or clinic and have them evaluate me?

Answer
Dear Dakota,

In the first place, many states do not treat imaging as part of the threshold for no-fault claims versus the third party.  So the MRI may or may not help.  You can call your state insurance commissioner http://www.settlementcentral.com/links.php
and ask about that.

It is frustrating that the doctor will not use PT, but I would give it some time and with the strain of more physical activity with the warmer weather, then you will experience increasing pain, especially at night or in the morning.  Your knee may ache after a day of summertime physical activity.

I would keep a record and then make sure that thru his nurse you have a way to communicate all of these problems to him.  Use a Confidential Personal Injury Diary for TOP DOLLAR Insurance Claim Settlements http://www.settlementcentral.com/page0208.htm

The reason I would not run in to the ER is that you could be accused of "doctor shopping".  In the first place, if I am an ER doc and you came in on a weekend complaining of pain in your knee, I would get your complete history (AND YOU MUST TELL THEM THE TRUTH) and then I would give you some pain meds and tell you to go and see your doctor who is treating you.  Thus, all you will have done is to alert your own doctor that you were trying to sneak around him.  Mo Betta you stick with him and with patience and all of your springtime and summer activities, your knee will act up and with documentation, you will get in to PT.  

Best wishes,

Dr. Settlement, J.D. (Juris Doctor)
www.SettlementCentral.Com