When Is It Appropriate to End Chiropractic Care After a North Carolina Car Accident?
FAQ: When Is It Appropriate to End Chiropractic Care After a North Carolina Car Accident?
Detailed Answer
After a crash, chiropractors often treat muscle strains, joint stiffness, and soft-tissue injuries. In North Carolina, you can end care when you reach what doctors call “maximum medical improvement” (MMI). That happens when your condition stabilizes and further treatment won’t give you meaningful benefits.
To identify MMI, pay attention to these signals:
Your pain levels plateau or decrease to a manageable level.
You meet your chiropractor’s functional goals (for example, full range of motion).
Your tests (X-rays, MRIs) show no worsening of the injury.
Your chiropractor issues a formal discharge report.
If you’ve reached MMI but still feel minor aches, consider:
Transitioning to at-home exercises or physical therapy.
Asking your chiropractor for a maintenance plan.
Discussing alternative pain-management options with your primary care provider.
Be sure to document your release in writing. A final report from your chiropractor becomes part of your medical evidence. This helps support your injury claim when you negotiate with the insurance adjuster.
Key Steps to Remember
Watch for signs of maximum medical improvement (MMI).
Request a written discharge report from your chiropractor.
Keep all treatment records and diagnostic reports.
Ask about a home exercise or maintenance plan.
Use your discharge report when negotiating your settlement.
If you need help reviewing your medical records or negotiating with an adjuster, Wallace Pierce Law offers experienced attorneys to guide you. Contact us at
(919) 313-2729
or email intake@wallacepierce.com.
FAQ: What Should I Do After Being Discharged from Medical Treatment in My NC Auto Claim?
Detailed Answer
Once your chiropractor or doctor discharges you, take a few practical steps to protect your rights and strengthen your claim:
Get a Copy of Your Discharge Report: Your treating provider should detail your diagnosis, treatment timeline, level of improvement, and any lingering restrictions.
Review Health-Insurance Obligations: If your PIP or health plan covered your bills, confirm any subrogation or reimbursement requirements.
Continue Documentation: Track any flare-ups, new symptoms, or out-of-pocket expenses (medications, assistive devices, mileage).
Request a Final Medical Summary: Ask your chiropractor or physician to summarize your MMI status, likely long-term care needs, and cost projections.
Share Records Promptly with Adjusters: Forward your final reports and bills to the at-fault party’s insurer. This keeps your claim moving and avoids delays.
After discharge, insurance adjusters often review your file and make a settlement offer. Use your complete medical file to negotiate. Highlight:
Documented improvement versus lingering symptoms
Any ongoing therapy or devices you’ll need
Costs you already incurred and reasonable future expenses
Obtain and study your final discharge and medical summary.
Track any residual symptoms or new care costs.
Comply with any reimbursement or subrogation duties.
Send all records to the insurer without delay.
Present clear evidence of your full damages in negotiations.
If you’d rather not handle these steps alone, reach out to Wallace Pierce Law. Our experienced attorneys can review your records, advise you on settlement strategy, and protect your rights. Call
(919) 313-2729
or email intake@wallacepierce.com.
