Short Answer

In North Carolina, you generally recover therapy costs that are reasonably necessary, reasonably priced, and caused by the crash. You prove that with itemized bills, medical records, and provider opinions that the therapy was needed. If you switched therapists or had a gap, you should document why (for example, availability or care concerns) and show continuous medical need so the insurer—or a court—can connect the treatment to your injuries.

Understanding the Problem

You want to know how to prove extra physical therapy charges after changing providers in North Carolina personal injury claims. You (the injured person) need to show the costs are tied to the wreck, that the treatment was needed, and that the prices are reasonable. Here, there’s a gap between providers due to appointment availability. The question is what proof convinces an insurer—or, if needed, a court—to accept and pay those added therapy costs.

Apply the Law

North Carolina law lets you recover medical expenses that were reasonably necessary to treat crash injuries and reasonably priced. You prove necessity and price with medical records, itemized bills, and provider statements. If litigation is needed, the Superior Court applies the Rules of Evidence; business-records methods and provider/custodian affidavits can authenticate records and bills. Because mediation is standard in civil cases, having this documentation organized early strengthens negotiation. A three-year statute of limitations generally applies to personal injury claims.

Key Requirements

• Causation: Records tie the therapy to crash-related diagnoses (e.g., sprain/strain, whiplash) and functional deficits.
• Medical necessity: Provider notes and a plan of care explain why core PT and follow-up total-body therapy were clinically indicated.
• Reasonableness of charges: Itemized bills (with CPT codes) show units, dates, and rates to support reasonable pricing.
• Continuity and justification: A brief explanation for changing therapists and for any treatment gap (e.g., schedule availability) to rebut “doctor shopping.”
• Admissibility: Custodian/provider affidavits and business-records certifications to authenticate bills and records if suit is filed.

What the Statutes Say

• North Carolina Rules of Evidence, Rule 803(6) (Business records) - Allows medical records/bills in through proper foundation or certification.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 8-58.1 (Medical expenses affidavits) - Permits proving reasonableness/necessity of medical bills by affidavit and itemized statements.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 7A-38.1 (Mediated settlement conferences) - Most Superior Court civil cases, including injury suits, go to mediation.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 1-52 (Three-year limitations period) - Personal injury claims typically must be filed within three years.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Your records should show that both the initial core PT and later total-body therapy addressed crash-related impairments. Have the second provider document medical necessity and how their therapy continues, complements, or escalates the first plan of care. Because the gap stemmed from appointment availability, include scheduling logs or notes and a brief provider or patient statement so the adjuster can see you acted reasonably and didn’t abandon care.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: Your attorney. Where: First to the insurer; if suit is needed, in the proper North Carolina Superior Court. What: Collect itemized PT bills, complete medical records, a provider letter of medical necessity, and custodian/provider affidavits for bills/records (to satisfy evidence rules). When: Assemble early for negotiations and mediation; if litigation is required, file within the three-year statute of limitations.
2. During negotiations or mediation, present a concise packet: accident-to-therapy timeline, reason for switching providers, explanation of the gap, and objective progress notes (ROM, strength, functional tests).
3. If settlement doesn’t resolve, your lawyer discloses records/bills in discovery and uses business-records certifications or affidavits to admit them at trial; the expected outcome is your therapy expenses supported as reasonable and necessary.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Unexplained gaps or “doctor shopping” concerns: Document scheduling issues, dissatisfaction reasons, and continuous symptoms; have providers reference prior records.
• Thin documentation: Ensure plans of care, progress notes, and discharge summaries connect treatment to diagnoses and function.
• Billing defects: Use itemized bills with codes/units; avoid lump-sum statements without detail; obtain custodian/provider affidavits.
• Failure to mitigate: Keep home-exercise logs and attendance records to show you followed medical advice.
• Admissibility traps: Work with counsel to comply with affidavit and notice requirements for medical bills/records and the business-records rule.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you're dealing with denied or questioned therapy costs after a provider change, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Call us today at [919-341-7055].

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.