PIP: Does it Cover Chiropractic Care?

When you are involved in an accident, the first thing on your mind is probably not “Will my PIP cover chiropractic care?” Many people don’t even know what PIP stands for or how it could affect chiropractic care following an accident. Don’t worry. That’s what we are here for.  

Personal Injury Protection commonly referred to as PIP, is an insurance coverage that helps cover the medical treatment and rehabilitation costs resulting from an automobile accident. 

Today, our personal injury attorneys will provide comprehensive information about how PIP policies typically handle chiropractic care for those involved in an automobile accident. 

Understanding PIP

Florida is considered a “no-fault” state which means that your auto insurance company will pay for any repairs, damages, medical expenses, etc. no matter who was at fault. This is where Personal Injury Protection (PIP) comes in.  

Drivers in Florida are required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in PIP insurance.  

PIP insurance generally covers medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers if you are injured in an accident. Keep in mind, there are limits. Your PIP will generally pay up to 80% of your medical bills, up to $10,000. 

Car accident victims often turn to chiropractic care for healing and relief from the aches and pains following an accident, but will PIP cover these treatments? 

Chiropractic Care and PIP  

Chiropractic care, which is provided by trained and licensed professionals, typically involves manual manipulation of the spine and other joints. It is used to treat issues such as neck pain, back pain, headaches, muscle spasms, and whiplash—injuries that commonly occur in accidents.  

With PIP coverage, chiropractic services may be covered up to the policy limit set by your provider—usually anywhere between $2,500 - $10,000. The caveat? Your PIP coverage only extends to reasonable expenses for necessary medical treatment.  

What exactly does “reasonable” mean? Well, if your accident injuries required two months of chiropractic treatment and you went for six months, your PIP coverage won’t cover those extra months.   

Remember, the exact amount of coverage will depend on the specifics of an insurance policy as well as the provider. 

Some policies may require pre-authorization from a doctor before they will cover any form of chiropractic care. 

To be fully compensated for your chiropractic care after an accident, you will need documentation of: 

• Your initial injuries and symptoms 
• Chiropractic treatments 
• All the expenses that are related to those treatments.    

Reasons Your Chiropractic Claim Might Be Denied 

Because insurance companies want to make money, they will try to deny your claim unless you provide proof that your injuries require chiropractic treatment.  

If you don’t see a doctor or chiropractor within 14 days following the accident, your insurance company will most likely deny your treatment, leaving you to pay for everything out of pocket. 

It’s not uncommon for some insurance companies to deny coverage for chiropractic treatment. Before you get too alarmed, it is crucial to understand why.  

• One of the top reasons for denial is mistakes in billing. Chiropractors are human, and they make mistakes. Sometimes these mistakes include an incorrect code or billing modifier. If the chiropractor didn’t use the right code and bills the company separately for each treatment, the insurance company may flag it.  
• Some insurance companies will deny your chiropractic treatment if there are gaps in care or you waited too long to begin treatment. If you had pre-existing conditions, the insurance adjuster might claim that you needed treatment already before the accident. They may say that the treatment you need is excessive or that the chiropractor overbilled.   

This is why receiving medical attention promptly after an accident is so important, even if you don’t think you have injuries. You may have hidden injuries like whiplash, ligament and muscle tears, or neck and back injuries, that can manifest days after the accident.

Remember: If you are pursuing reimbursement for chiropractic care through your PIP coverage, be mindful of deadlines. You have 14 days to use your PIP benefits and your injuries and symptoms need to be promptly documented by a licensed medical professional so you can be properly compensated.  

Read More > Do Car Accident Settlements Cover Chiropractic Care? 

Compensation for Accident Injuries  

When you have been injured due to the fault of another, you should not have to bear the burden of medical costs, or any other losses incurred as a result.  

Therefore, it is essential to seek legal guidance from knowledgeable personal injury attorneys to ensure that you are appropriately compensated for your injuries. Taking action early on can lead to a timelier resolution for your case. 

Your fight is our fight. Contact our attorneys at Mickey Keenan P.A. today. We are ready to defend your injury claim and help you get the compensation you deserve.