3 Reasons to See an Orthopedic Specialist After an Accident

Being involved in an accident can be a very stressful and traumatic experience. For many people, it will be one of the worst days of their lives. It doesn’t take a major accident to break bones, dislocate joints, or damage the vital soft tissue structures of the musculoskeletal system. Accidents can cause a variety of orthopedic injuries, ranging in severity from mild to life-threatening. While you may seem fine in the immediate aftermath, the surge of adrenaline generated by your body during an accident can actually cover up serious but invisible injuries. These hidden injuries can surface in the days or weeks following an accident, and, if left untreated, they can lead to years of pain and suffering.

Therefore, it is very important to seek the appropriate level of medical care immediately following an accident so as to maximize your chances of a quick and complete recovery. In addition to the importance of seeking immediate medical treatment for your long-term health, doing so will also set you up for success should you need to file a personal injury claim in the aftermath of the accident. While many providers will position themselves as the first choice following an accident, at North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists, we believe that orthopedic specialists are, by far, the best choice. We go above and beyond for patients who have been involved in accidents—motor vehicle or otherwise—to ensure all of their orthopedic needs are met in a timely manner.

Three of the most important differences between orthopedic specialists and other physicians are the specialized treatment they offer, the convenience, and their ability to assist with the personal injury claims process.

1. Specialized Treatment

Orthopedic specialists are highly trained physicians with advanced training in orthopedic injuries to the musculoskeletal system–bones, foot, ankle, hand, wrist, knees, etc. Orthopedic specialists will also have specialized procedures and treatments at their disposal that other physicians do not, which will allow them to treat you in the best manner possible. Unfortunately, orthopedic surgeons are not always available in the ER, so if your injury is orthopedic in nature, you may be treated by an Emergency Room Physician instead of a doctor who specializes in your type of injury. Therefore, the only way to ensure you see one is to seek one out directly.

2. Convenience

Emergency room physicians, by their very nature, tend to prioritize more serious patients for treatment in the ER. This can, unfortunately, lead to very long wait times in the emergency room if you are not the most critical patient in the waiting room. On the other hand, orthopedic specialists in private practice offer much lower wait times in their office, which means you can be seen and treated more quickly than in an ER. Generally speaking, we can get patients in and out of our office in under one hour at North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists!

We also offer an additional level of convenience over other providers in that North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists offers patients the entire continuum of care in one office. We have medical office space, advanced imaging, physical therapy, and durable medical equipment, so we can offer a wide range of treatment in one place. Ultimately, your primary care physician will likely refer you to an orthopedic specialist following an accident, so you will save a lot of time and effort going straight to one.

3. They Can Help You With Your Insurance Personal Injury Claim

In certain states, there are laws or rules that require patients to see a doctor within fourteen (14) days of the accident in order to be able to file an insurance claim. Orthopedic specialists understand this and other requirements of the personal injury rules and regulations, so they can work to get you in and treated before this deadline passes. Furthermore, orthopedic specialists have the training and expertise required to give you a detailed and high-quality medical report that will ensure you have the ability to support your personal injury claim. They will know much better than an emergency room physician what needs to be pointed out in your medical records to support your personal injury claim. Because orthopedic doctors are not always available in the emergency room, the only way to ensure you receive this level of expertise is to seek one out directly!

Choosing which medical provider you see following an accident is one of the most important decisions you will make on your road to recovery. While many providers will position themselves as the first choice, at North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists, we believe that orthopedic specialists are, by far, the best choice. We go above and beyond for patients who have been involved in accidents—motor vehicle or otherwise—to ensure all of their orthopedic needs are met in a timely manner.