After a record breaking (in a bad way) five-year run of reported automobile accidents in BC, ICBC’s no fault insurance program could not have arrived at a better time. But before we provide a refresher on the program, we want to directly address a question that Greater Vancouver residents are asking – who to see after a car accident? We know that it seems as if this topic would be better relegated to an insurance brokerage, there is a big reason for our physiotherapy clinic to weigh in. Below is a breakdown of the practical process to follow should you or someone you care about get into an automobile accident, even if you don’t think you have an injury.
Chronological Guide for Who to See After You’ve Been in a Motor Vehicle Accident
Step I. Your Family Doctor
You will have been attended to by the on-site paramedics immediately after a motor vehicle accident (MVA). If an acute injury is evident you will have been taken to the ER and seen by the attending physician. This part is clear. However, on some occasions, paramedics won’t pick up on an underlying physical issue (from the MVA) and clear you to head home. In this latter scenario, be sure to see your family doctor right away. They know you and your medical history, and can perform a more comprehensive assessment than on-site paramedics and attending physicians from the ER. If they are concerned that there is something more acute that is outside of their scope they will refer you to a specialist. Whatever the case may be, see your family doctor as soon as possible.
Step II. Your Insurance Broker
You’re supposed to contact your insurance provider as soon as you’ve been medically cleared after an MVA. You will have done that part already. However, once you’ve seen your family doctor, be sure to call your preferred insurance broker prior to seeing a specialist. They will provide clarity on what is and isn’t covered by your ICBC Autoplan along with any private auto insurance you may have purchased. If you have medical coverage through your workplace give the respective broker a ring too.
We know that this sort of “admin” task is the last thing you want to deal with after an MVA, however, that nagging feeling is best left in the past. In the past, the result of an initial investigation often left people frustrated. This was because alternative treatments and therapies were not covered, especially under the ICBC Autoplan. This is no longer the case. As alluded to above, under the new ICBC Enhanced Care program, treatment and therapy for injuries (physical and emotional) are covered for as long as they are needed. View more on the physiotherapy benefits of ICBC Enhanced Care.
Step III. A Registered ICBC Chiropractor
Armed with the confidence that your MVA treatment and therapy will be covered, you now need to find and see a chiropractor who is registered as an ICBC treatment provider. Absolute PhysioCare has a registered ICBC chiropractor on staff. As a result, our office will direct bill ICBC on your behalf so you do not have to pay out of pocket. View more about the process here.
Step IV. A Clinical Counsellor
Treatment and therapy for an MVA today spans far beyond the physical. Those who have sustained emotional trauma after a car accident can attest to it, but now insurers have fallen in line to recognize the necessity of clinical counseling. Like with chiropractic work, Absolute PhysioCare will directly bill ICBC for mental health therapy. Our counsellor is a member of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor. Learn more about why you should see a clinical counsellor after a car accident.
Ready to take the next step towards recovery after an automobile accident? Contact our Burnaby BC clinic today to book a consultation. Call us at 604-558-2273.