The Importance of Follow-Up Care After an Injury
When you get injured in a car accident, you probably know to visit a doctor as soon as possible to assess the physical harm and create a medical report of the incident. In fact, if your accident was serious enough, you probably went straight to the ER to receive immediate treatment.
Regardless of the nature of your first medical appointment, it is not the only one that matters to your health or your wallet. Just as important is the follow-up care you receive to ensure the best physical and financial recovery.
Recovery of your health
Your initial examination determines the extent and severity of your injuries so you can receive the proper treatment. Following this treatment is what will help you make a full recovery, or as much as you can under the circumstances, and quickly. Not attending follow-up appointments and failing to follow doctor’s orders can lead to permanent damage or a longer recovery at best. Either result can affect your financial stability through lost wages and high medical bills.
Recovery of your finances
Being out from work for a long time undoubtedly will hurt your finances, even with insurance and disability payments. Furthermore, not adhering to your treatment plan can negatively affect your insurance claim. Your provider may not agree to compensate you if you disregard follow-up care. Insurance companies may also argue that your injury must not be severe if you no longer need treatment or that any further symptoms may be due to other causes. Returning to the doctor for periodic checkups will establish a record of your visits and recovery to backup your claim with your insurer.
Do not underestimate the importance of follow-up care. Care may be expensive, and you want to receive reimbursement for all the bills as well as other types of damages, so it is in your best interest to follow your treatment plan.