NJ PLIGA Inquiry
I was struck by a car while walking in New Jersey and I’m eligible for coverage through PLIGA. Unfortunately, I experienced a misdiagnosis during my hospital visit and had to rely on urgent care for a follow-up. They quickly referred me to an orthopedic specialist after discovering I had two fractures. The orthopedic doctor has recommended an MRI because of a potential Lisfranc injury, but I need PLIGA’s approval before I can proceed with the scan.
It’s been over a week since my appointment, and despite my attorney’s multiple attempts to reach out to the PLIGA adjuster—including leaving voicemails—I’ve received no response. Has anyone had experience with PLIGA regarding MRI approvals? How long does it usually take to get approved? Is there any way to expedite the process? It’s now been two weeks since my injury and over a week since my appointment, and it’s starting to get a bit overwhelming for me (lol).
I’m really sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds incredibly frustrating, especially dealing with the pain of your injury on top of the hassle of getting the necessary approvals.
From what I’ve seen in similar cases, the NJ PLIGA approval process can vary quite a bit in terms of timing. Typically, it may take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, but it seems like your case is taking longer than usual.
Here are a few suggestions that might help expedite the process:
Follow Up Persistently: If your attorney hasn’t received a response, you might want to have them follow up multiple times, perhaps escalating to a supervisor if possible. Sometimes more persistent inquiries can prompt quicker responses.
Gather Supportive Documentation: Ensure you have all your medical documentation ready to go. This can help speed up the approval process when they see the urgency of the situation.
Contact Your Legislator: If your attorney hasn’t had luck, consider contacting your local legislator’s office. They sometimes have staff who can assist with bureaucratic issues.
Direct Contact: If you haven’t already, you might try contacting PLIGA directly to discuss your specific case. Sometimes speaking with someone directly can help clarify things.
Explore Alternative Options: While it may not be ideal, see if there are any options at urgent care or other providers for quicker imaging without the approval, if that’s something you can afford.
It’s important to keep advocating for your health. Don’t hesitate to push for answers, given the seriousness of your situation. Hang in there, and I hope you get the MRI approved soon so you can move forward with your treatment.