COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on the everyday lives of people throughout the world. It has caused disruptions in every imaginable scenario. State and federal leaders have issued shelter in place directives that ban non-essential work and other non-essential activities. Moreover, hospitals and medical professionals are focused on providing medical care for those infected by COVID-19, and preventing its spread. If you have recently been injured in a car accident, you are probably wondering what you can do about starting, continuing or completing your treatment for those injuries that you sustained.
What is telemedicine?
You may be able to benefit from telemedicine (or Telehealth) if you have been injured in a car accident during the Coronavirus pandemic. Some doctors have been providing the option of having an initial consultation or appointment through Zoom or other video conference as opposed to having their clients come into the office. Other doctors are also providing regular phone consultations. During an initial consultation, your doctor will go over your symptoms and figure out a treatment plan so that they will have the information they need for the next in-office appointment. Doctors are also able to prescribe certain medication through a Telehealth meeting.
Are there benefits to telemedicine?
When treating for injuries sustained in a car accident, it has always been important to avoid gaps in treatment because gaps in treatment will lower the value of your claim. It is difficult to argue that you have a lot of pain and suffering when you are not going to the doctor or following the doctor’s recommendations. Telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic is very important because it can be used to avoid gaps in treatment. In addition, teleconference’s are generally billed the same as a regular in-office billing. It is important to ensure that your medical records have a disclosure that states that your teleconference was necessary due to COVID-19. So far, insurance companies have been covering telemedicine, but it is important to check with your insurance provider before you agree to the treatment.
You should see a specialist in person if you notice that there is a difference in pain and/or injuries since the initial injury. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- shoulder pain;
- knee pain;
- wrist/elbow pain;
- numbness and/or tingling;
- neck and lower back; and
- pain that effects activities of daily living.
If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to contact a dedicated car accident lawyer today. A car accident attorney can help you maximize your claim during these difficult times. Contact our Charlotte and Hickory personal injury attorney today at (888) 314-7127. Our office handles car accident cases throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, and New York.
