When you’ve fallen victim to a personal injury, it can be incredibly frustrating. Personal injuries sustained due to someone else’s negligence can lead to costly medical bills, pain, suffering, loss of wages, and emotional and mental trauma.

Whether or not you’re injured in the incident where you may be at fault, you still need to be taken care of medically. The sooner you can get back on your feet and free of pain, the sooner your life can get back to normal.

Keep reading for three tips on how to choose a personal injury doctor in New York.

1. Cost, Insurance, and Medical Liens

First, you need to take a practical look at your situation and consider your finances.

If you were involved in a personal injury accident and have a legal case, most major medical health insurance will not cover your medical costs. You will need to find doctors who accept medical liens.

Medical liens are a right or demand by your medical provider to collect their treatment fees against any future settlement money you may receive as a result of your personal injury case. You will get medical treatment “on a lien” and your personal injury doctor will wait for his or her payment until your legal case settles. In most cases, medical liens are not against you personally and are only assessed against any proceeds from your personal injury case. Usually, your attorney will negotiate to reduce the doctor’s lien, once the case settles.

Alternatively, if you are dealing with a personal injury case, the financial cost of treatment may not fall on you. Depending on your situation, the responsible entity may end up paying all of your medical expenses.

2. Rapport

Another important factor to consider when choosing a personal injury doctor in New York is how well you get along with him/her. While you definitely need to take their certifications and experience into account, you also need a doctor who will listen to you. Mutual respect is very important in doctor-patient relationships.

Schedule an appointment for a consult where you can meet your potential doctor. Pay attention to how they communicate with you. If they constantly interrupt you or seem disinterested in anything you have to say, they may not be compatible.

Some other things to consider in terms of compatibility are:

• Do they have time to see you and are they available to answer your questions?
• Do they take the time to explain your diagnosis and treatment options to you?
• Do you feel heard?

3. Qualifications

Lastly, take the time to do some research on potential doctors. For example, doctors certified through the American Board of Medical Specialties have qualified medical degrees. They’re also required to spend extensive time completing a residency in their field of medicine as well as continuing education courses as long as they practice medicine.

You should also be sure to keep an eye out for malpractice claims and disciplinary actions against the doctor. These issues aren’t necessarily indicative of a poor physician, as any doctor can make mistakes. However, a history of issues is a definite red flag.

Looking for a Personal Injury Doctor in New York?

It’s time to get the help you need from qualified physicians who want to help. Call 1-800-897-8440 to help you find a personal injury doctor in New York or book an appointment by filling out the form below.