If you've just been involved in a car accident, there's a good chance you're going to need medical attention.
Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, that doesn't necessarily mean you're out of the woods.
When you're involved in an accident, your body produces adrenaline to protect itself.
This initial rush of adrenaline often masks injuries you've sustained.
In can take hours, days, or even weeks to start noticing symptoms of your injuries after a car accident.
That's why no matter what, you should always see a doctor following an accident.
When most people think of seeing a doctor after a car accident, they think of sitting in the Emergency Room.
While this may be necessary, it's not your only option.
Did you know that chiropractors are an excellent choice when it comes to seeing a doctor after an accident?
Chiropractic doctors will not only help treat any injuries you sustained during the accident but also examine and treat you as an entire person.
If you don't already see a regular chiropractor, picking one can seem intimidating.
That's why we've compiled this list of 8 tips to choose the chiropractor that is right for you.
Read on to learn more.
So, how do you find the chiropractor who is right for you?
As you search for your chiropractor, keep these things in mind.
Table Of Contents
- Consider Their Experience
- Know Your Insurance
- Get Referrals
- Consider Gender
- Read Customer Satisfaction Surveys
- Check Their Credentials
- Check The Quality Of The Hospital
- Study How They Communicate
- Choose Wisely
1. Consider Their Experience
Experience always matters when you're picking a doctor. No one wants the "rookie" treating them.
The more experience your chiropractor has dealing with car accident patients, and insurance companies, the better off you are going to be. It probably goes without saying, but you want a chiropractor with experience treating whatever type of injuries you're suffering from.
Ask them how often they provide care for individuals who have been in car accidents and what their comprehensive care plans entail.
If you have specific injuries, ask them if they've ever treated them before.
Most seasoned chiropractors won't be caught off guard by any injuries, but it never hurts to ask.
2. Know Your Insurance
This is likely the most important step for many people.
Before you can receive any treatment, you need to know you can afford it.
To receive the most insurance benefits and pay the least out-of-pocket for your care, you need to choose a chiropractor who participates in your plan. Insurance coverage varies but typically, you can expect coverage for about 6-12 visits.
You should still consider other factors when choosing your chiropractor, but it's always easier to avoid any billing issues if they participate in your insurance plan.
3. Get Referrals
The easiest way to pick your choice of doctor is to ask around for a competent chiropractor.
Start by asking your primary care doctor for a referral list of chiropractors.
Also, ask any friends or family members if they're actual patients and have any personal referrals.
Take your time to research the chiropractors before you start calling them. Healthgrades.com is a great resource to use.
Once your list of referrals is narrowed to a few medical professionals, give them a call to see if they are accepting new patients.
4. Consider Gender
This is important but often overlooked in the decision-making process.
Before you do anything, you need to be sure you're comfortable with your chiropractor.
That includes being comfortable with their gender.
There is nothing wrong with being more comfortable with one gender than the other.
Your gender also matters. Chiropractors are becoming more skilled in caring in women and men differently.
Ask your qualified chiropractor about their training, and if they have a preferred gender or one, they are more experienced with.
5. Read Satisfaction Surveys
There's no better way to find out what people think of a chiropractor than reading their patient reviews.
This will give you insight on how the chiropractor provides care as well as how their chiropractic clinic is operated.
While reading the surveys, you will learn how well the patients trust the chiropractor, how much time they spend with their patients, and how well they answer questions.
6. Check Their Credentials
This one seems like a no brainer, but it's still important to emphasize.
Licensure is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an ideal chiropractor.
It assures you that the chiropractor has the training, skills, and experience necessary to provide adequate and effective care.
You also want to be sure the chiropractor doesn't have a history of malpractice.
Healthgrades.com is another useful website here because you will be able to look up their medical school, training hospital, and any malpractice history. Finding out beforehand if they're a reputable chiropractor will save you a lot of frustration and hassle.
7. Check The Quality Of The Hospital
If the chiropractor you are researching is affiliated with a hospital, you also need to research the hospital.
Hospital quality matters to you because patients at the best hospitals have fewer complications and better survival rates.
Also, make sure the location of the hospital is convenient for you.
The location of the hospital should encourage you to receive care, not discourage it because it is too far away.
8. Study How They Communicate
You need to be comfortable talking to your chiropractor. That's why their communication style is very important.
When you first speak to the chiropractor, ask a question and pay close attention to how they respond.
Did they welcome your questions and answer them clearly?
Find a chiropractor that takes a genuine interest in you and your condition and will explain their treatment plan in a clear way that's easy for you to understand.
Choose Wisely
Seeing a chiropractor after a car accident can be extremely beneficial.
Actually, having regular chiropractic adjustments in general, not just after car accidents, is extremely beneficial. Chiropractic treatment offers a holistic approach to what ever pain you're experiencing.
However, choosing the perfect chiropractor for you is important to make sure you get the right quality of care, as well as effective treatment.
You don't want to get stuck with chiropractic services that you're uncomfortable with, or one that is too far away.
If you're currently looking for chiropractic care after a car accident, the experts at The Car Wreck Doctor can help you find a healthcare provider that's perfect for you.
They will help take some of the guesswork out of it.
Just click the button below to get started on your pain relief journey.