You were in an accident and now you’re dealing with insurance adjusters. They’re telling you that you need to see a different doctor, but the catch is that the doctor is halfway across the state. You’re wondering if this is even legal. Can an adjuster make you to travel for medical appointments?
Can an Adjuster Make You to Travel for Medical Appointments?
Sometimes, and if they can get away with it. A while back a well-known neurosurgeon based in Raleigh spoke at a closed-door meeting with adjusters at a meeting sponsored by a law firm, which represents mostly insurance companies and employers. During the course of his presentation he stated that he believed a lot of injured workers underwent unnecessary surgeries and ended up being out of work longer than necessary as a result. What happened next? Clients who lived in Mount Airy, in Lexington, even in Charlotte were being sent to him for second opinions.
This happens more often than you would believe. In this particular case we objected to the Industrial Commission. The defense attorney, coincidentally a partner in the firm that sponsored the private meeting, argued that the law regarding second opinions didn’t require that the doctor be fair or neutral. The only limitation was in terms of geographical reasonability.
The Industrial Commission seems to have bought into this theory. Your best defenses against a second opinion are that it’s too far away and that the adjuster has already had a couple of second opinions. At some point the adjuster has to concede that she’s only shopping for an opinion that she wants to hear and isn’t really looking for sound medicine anymore. While that seems patently obvious to some people it’s considered bad form to admit to it when you’re at the Industrial Commission.
To be fair, we have our own lists of doctors as well. One advantage of our law firm is that we’ve been keeping records and notes on doctors, adjusters, rehabilitation nurses, etc., for years now. We know which ones tend to unnecessarily favor the employers and insurance companies and we know which ones put their patient’s interests first. So, when it’s our turn to pick a doctor, we know who we’ll recommend.
How Far Can an Adjuster Make You Travel for Medical Appointments?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the state in which you live, the terms of your insurance policy, and the severity of your injuries. In general, an adjuster cannot force you to travel an unreasonable distance for medical appointments.
Most states have laws that require insurance companies to provide reasonable access to medical care for their policyholders. This means that if you live in a rural area with limited medical resources, the adjuster may need to make arrangements for you to receive care in a nearby city or town.
However, if the adjuster asks you to travel a significant distance for routine appointments or treatments that could be provided closer to your home, you may be able to push back and request alternative arrangements. It’s important to communicate with your adjuster and healthcare providers to find a solution that works for everyone.
If you feel that your adjuster is making unreasonable demands or violating your rights, you may want to consult with an attorney who specializes in insurance law. They can provide guidance on your legal options and help you protect your rights as a policyholder.
Can You Refuse to Travel for Medical Appointments?
As an insurance adjuster, it’s common to require claimants to attend medical appointments in order to properly assess their injuries and determine the appropriate compensation. However, if you are unable or unwilling to attend a medical appointment that is scheduled, you may be wondering if you have the right to refuse to travel.
The short answer is yes, you can refuse to travel for medical appointments. That being said, refusing to attend medical appointments without a valid reason can negatively impact your claim. Your adjuster may view this as noncompliance and may question the legitimacy of your injuries. It is important to work with your adjuster and medical professionals to find a solution that works for everyone involved.
Should You Seek the Help of an Attorney?
If you’re facing a situation where an adjuster is requiring you to travel for medical appointments, you may be wondering whether or not you should seek the help of an attorney. While it’s not always necessary to hire an attorney, there are some situations where it can be beneficial.
Ultimately, the decision to hire an attorney will depend on your individual circumstances. If you’re unsure whether or not you need legal assistance, it’s always best to consult with a qualified attorney who can help you understand your options and make informed decisions.
