New York Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Doctor

What is a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Doctor?

There are so many different types of medical professionals out there today and so many doctors with their own unique specialties. However, if you have been injured in a serious car or workers compensation accident, it is important that you consider going to a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor (PM&R doctor). If you have never heard of this type of medical professional before, you may be surprised to find they are some of the most common experts to visit after a traumatic injury such as a car accident.

While no one ever wants to need to see one of these experts, the more you know about these professionals and what they can—the better prepared you would be should the unexpected occur.

Fortunately, there are many PM&R doctors throughout the state of New York that are available to help treat injuries such as this.

What Are PM&R Doctors?

Physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors (physiatrists) are medical specialists who specifically deal with injuries related to car accidents. They specialize in assessing and treating the traumatic muscular injuries, specifically those that tend to occur with the impact of a work and car accident—they also treat a great deal of sports-related injuries as well.

When you meet with a New York PM&R doctor they will not only be able to diagnose any injuries you may have sustained following your accident, but they will be able to help you manage any pain you may be experiencing, so you can start healing and getting back to life as normal.

Depending on the severity of your injuries, a PM&R doctor may prescribe or inject different medications—mostly focusing on the muscles so that they can start the healing process. These experts not only implement their own unique treatments to help with pain management but also work together with other providers such as physical therapists and chiropractors that can actual implement manual manipulations and exercises that can help with healing as well.

Many PM&R doctors will also conduct nerve tests to determine whether or not any neurological damage has been done following the injury. Many times, with traumas associated with car accidents, whiplash, neck and back injuries ultimately lead to nerve damage. This doctor may recommend their patients meet with a neurologist, or orthopedic surgeon or they may refer out for further diagnostic services such as an x-ray or MRI.

Planning a Visit to a PM&R Doctor

If you are struggling with injuries or pain following an auto accident, then it is important that you go to a PM&R doctor as soon as you are able. The good news for New York residents is that the state has no-fault laws in place that help cover medical expenses such as this following a serious car accident—no matter who caused the accident.

The services provided by a PM&R physician can many times be covered by no-fault insurance, but only if you make sure to see one of these doctors right away.

According to this New York state law, in order to get coverage on this type of injury, you need to have documentation of a visit to a doctor within 30 days of the initial accident.

If your injuries were sustained due to a work-related accident, you are covered by a workers compensation insurance. This type of insurance is mandatory in New York state, and every employer has to carry a workers comp policy to covey its employees. Make sure that your treating PM&R physician is authorized y the NY Worker’s Compensation Board (NY WCB).

When an injury following an accident has left you with serious pain or limited physical function, a PM&R doctor can be the greatest ally on your road to recovery.

These medical professionals will assess your condition and tailor a plan that will not only help alleviate any pain but help strengthen and heal the body so you can get back to life as normal.

Top Physiatrists in New York

Top Physiatrists in New York who accept workers’ compensation and no-fault insurance:

• Joyce Goldenberg, M.D.