I’m feeling a little overwhelmed right now. I recently got into a car accident, and the other party’s insurance only offered me $1,500 for medical expenses. I accepted this amount, but I just discovered my medical bill is actually $1,600. The physical therapist seemed frustrated and mentioned that I shouldn’t have agreed without consulting him first. Honestly, I’ve never been in an accident or dealt with anything like this before, and I feel lost without guidance.
The therapist wants me to come in for appointments twice a week, but my back feels fine—no pain or discomfort at all. I mentioned that I would be okay paying $100 and stopping treatment, but he insisted that we can just bill the other party’s insurance instead. Since I’ve already agreed to the $1,500, I’m worried about ending up with a larger bill than expected. Can I choose to stop treatment? I feel like I’m being pressured to continue when I don’t really want to.
It sounds like you’re in a really difficult situation, and it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed. Here are a few suggestions on how to handle this:
Clarify Your Insurance Situation: If you’ve already agreed to the $1,500, it’s important to understand what that covers. Call your insurance provider to clarify what expenses are included and what your options are.
Talk to Your Doctor: If your back feels fine and you’re unsure about continuing treatment, it’s perfectly reasonable to communicate that with your physical therapist. You have the right to stop treatment if you feel it’s unnecessary.
Get Everything in Writing: Make sure you get an explanation in writing about any bills or ongoing treatments. This will be helpful for future reference and to understand what you might be responsible for.
Seek Legal Advice: Since you’re unsure about your rights and obligations, it may be a good idea to consult a legal professional who specializes in car accidents and personal injury claims. They can offer you guidance and help you understand your options.
Document Everything: Keep a record of all communications, treatments, and bills related to the accident. This can be crucial if disputes arise later.
Explore Other Opinions: If you’re uncomfortable with the current physical therapist, consider seeking a second opinion. You have the right to choose your healthcare providers.
Remember, you’re not alone in this, and it’s okay to ask for help. Take your time to make a decision that feels right for you!