Short Answer

In North Carolina, you typically use “medical payments” (MedPay) coverage by opening a MedPay claim with your auto insurer, then submitting itemized EMS and emergency room bills (and proof you are the covered person) so the insurer can pay those providers or reimburse you up to your MedPay limit. The adjuster will usually also ask for basic identifying information and a medical authorization so they can confirm the bills relate to the crash. Because MedPay limits can be small, many insurers try to apply MedPay first to early bills like EMS and the ER.

Understanding the Problem

If you were hurt in a North Carolina crash and you are still treating, can you use your auto policy’s MedPay coverage to pay back the EMS and emergency room charges while the rest of the claim is still being gathered, especially when the adjuster says they need identifying information to move the file forward?

Apply the Law

MedPay is a no-fault medical benefit that may be available under your auto policy. It is designed to pay reasonable medical expenses from a covered crash up to the MedPay limit, without waiting for the liability claim to resolve. In practice, insurers require enough documentation to confirm (1) you are an insured/covered person under the policy, (2) the services were related to injuries from the crash, and (3) the charges are actually owed or were paid by you. MedPay is handled by the insurance company (not the court), but medical records are confidential and usually require your authorization before providers will release them.

Key Requirements

• Open the MedPay claim under the correct policy: The insurer needs the policy number, claim number, and confirmation you are a covered person (for example, the named insured, household relative, or occupant—depending on the policy terms).
• Provide the EMS and ER billing documents: Insurers commonly want an itemized bill (not just a balance screenshot) showing dates of service, provider name, and charges.
• Show the bills are crash-related: The adjuster may request the ER face sheet/discharge paperwork or a short record set tying the visit to the accident date and injuries.
• Sign the needed authorizations: Because medical information is protected, insurers and providers often require a signed authorization before records can be released for payment/claim handling.
• Coordinate with other coverage: If health insurance, Medicaid/State programs, or other payers are involved, you may need to avoid double payment and track reimbursement rights.
• Stay within the MedPay limit: Once the MedPay limit is used up, additional bills must be handled through health insurance, payment plans, or the bodily injury settlement process.

What the Statutes Say

• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 8-53 (Medical provider-patient confidentiality) - Medical records are generally not disclosed without the patient’s authorization (or another lawful basis).
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-518 (Confidentiality of EMS/trauma system records) - EMS-related medical records and data are confidential and typically require written consent or a court order for release.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 130A-13 (Assignment/reimbursement for certain State medical payment programs) - Applying for certain State medical payment programs can trigger reimbursement/assignment rights to the State from third-party benefits.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because you are still treating and the medical bills/records have not been ordered or submitted yet, the fastest way to “exhaust” limited MedPay is usually to submit the EMS bill and the emergency room bill first. The adjuster’s request for identifying information is common because the insurer must confirm you are the covered person and match the bills to the correct date of loss and providers. If you have not signed authorizations yet, that can slow down payment because EMS and hospital records are confidential and often will not be released without your written consent.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: The injured person (or their attorney). Where: With the auto insurer’s claims department handling the MedPay portion of the claim in North Carolina. What: A MedPay request plus the EMS itemized bill and ER itemized bill, and any forms the insurer requires (often a medical authorization). When: As soon as you have the bills; do not wait for physical therapy records if the goal is to apply MedPay quickly to EMS/ER.
2. Confirm payee and avoid duplicates: Tell the adjuster whether you want payment sent directly to EMS/hospital or reimbursed to you (if you already paid). If health insurance already paid part of the ER bill, ask for an updated statement showing what is still owed and by whom.
3. Track what MedPay paid and what remains: Request a payment ledger/EOB-style breakdown from the insurer showing dates, amounts, and to whom payments were issued, so you can coordinate later with the overall injury claim and any reimbursement issues.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Authorization delays: If you do not sign a compliant authorization, providers may refuse to release EMS/ER records needed to connect the bill to the crash, slowing MedPay payment.
• Sending the wrong document: A “balance due” screenshot may not be enough. Insurers often require an itemized bill with dates of service and billing codes.
• Double payment problems: If a health insurer or a government program paid the bill, MedPay may need to be coordinated so the same charge is not paid twice, and reimbursement rights may apply.
• Using up MedPay too early: Exhausting MedPay on EMS/ER may be reasonable, but it can leave nothing for later out-of-pocket items (for example, follow-up imaging or copays). Ask the adjuster what they need and confirm what you are authorizing them to pay.
• Provider billing holds: Some providers will place the account on hold if they know an auto claim is pending, but many will not. If you need time, request a temporary hold or payment plan in writing.

Conclusion

To use MedPay in North Carolina for EMS and emergency room bills, open the MedPay claim, provide the insurer your identifying information, and submit itemized EMS/ER bills that match the accident date so the insurer can issue payment up to your MedPay limit. Because EMS and hospital records are confidential, you will often need to sign a medical authorization so the insurer can confirm the charges relate to the crash. Next step: send the EMS and ER itemized bills (plus any required authorization) to the MedPay adjuster promptly.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you're dealing with MedPay paperwork while you’re still treating and early bills like EMS and the ER are coming due, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you organize the right documents, coordinate payments, and protect the bigger injury claim timeline. Reach out today.

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.