QuestionQUESTION: I was involved in a auto accident a couple of weeks ago. Lady admitted running a red light . My car was totaled, and I have been seeing my pcp for neck and back pains. My insurance company has sent me a release form to fill out to receive med pay for my bills. The form releases all of my medical records to them and any one else who needs them I'm uncomfortable with so much personal information being seen by so many. Can I just send them my bills and the doctors notes and not sign away all my records? I know the other insurance company will want a copy to try to not have to pay me much. What do I do?
ANSWER: Hi Dee,
This is standard procedure with all your insurance and all your doctors.
There will be many people who will have a legal right to review your medical bills and doctor records throughout the settling of the claim.
By getting the release up front, it saves time of having to get a limited release for a named party each time someone needs to revies your records.
Mu suggestion is that you simply sign and return the forms.
Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area 10-19-07 5:02 PM PST
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Some of my medical bills I have paid out of my own pocket, and some have been billed to my health insurance. Does it make a difference who pays as far as my insurance claim against the insurance company for my reimbursement? My insurance company also told me I have med pay and can claim my bills from them as well.How does all this work? What is the best way to handle my bills?
AnswerHi Dee,
Your auto insurance should reimburse you for all the bills that you have paid out of pocket and should be the first source you use for payment of future bills.
Their coverage usually only pays medical bills incured during the first year after the accident,up to your policy limit, so use them now.
Later will be too late.
The adverse company is only concerned with your total losses, not exactly who paid them.
You need to start building two identical files, one for yourself and one to present to the adverse company along with your settlement demand. Your only justification for a pain and suffering settlement is based on your 'specials'.
That includes ER, Medical Doctor bills, any special exams such as MRI or CAT scan, Physical therapy, prescription drugs and mileage at $0.43 per mile for every trip you you make for any of these services. Log each trip and mileage separately.
Start building these files right now so it won't be a headache and a rush when you are finally recovered.
When you are finally recovered, total up all these specials plus any lost wages and ask for a settlement 3 x your total loss. The insurance company will make you a much lower offer, but then you have two numbers to negotiate from.
You should be able to get a final settlement between 2.5 and 2.75 times your losses.
Sincerely,
Bennie
10-23-07 5:32 PM PST
