The Issue of Attorney Referred Doctors Who Treat on Lien

Many victims who suffer serious injuries in accidents need extensive medical treatment for their injuries. Depending on the extent of their injuries, this treatment can include emergency services, hospitalizations, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical and occupational therapy, doctor visits, and more. Even if a victim is fortunate enough to have health insurance, most policies only cover a certain percentage of medical bills, potentially leaving a victim with high medical bills. If a victim has not health insurance, the medical bills can be financially devastating. However, for victims who cannot pay their bills, the issue of attorney referred doctors who treat on lien may be an option.

Because of the high number of victims affected by these issues, there are a number of medical providers who are willing to provide medical care on a lien basis. This enables victims who have no health insurance or limited plans to still be able to receive quality medical care. The medical expenses are paid when the victim’s accident claim or a lawsuit is settled, or they receive an award through litigation.

Medical providers who agree to this type of arrangement benefit because they are able to bill for their services at their regular rate, unlike the rate many are capped at when dealing with health insurance companies. In the majority of situations, the rate negotiated with an insurance company is usually lower than what the provider’s regular rate usually is.

Under these agreements, the provider agrees to treat the victim until the legal case has concluded. The provider agrees that the victim is not required to pay any out-of-pocket costs while treatment is going on.

So how does a victim find medical providers who are willing to treat on liens? The best place for information is with your own personal injury attorney who is handling your accident case. Although there are third-party companies who act as a middleman between victims and providers. The problem with these situations is that the victim has no idea about the quality of care they will receive from the medical providers recommended by the company. This is in part due to some of the drawbacks that doctors face when entering into these agreements, including:

• The length of time it takes for an accident case to finally resolve and the provider will get paid.
• There is no guarantee the victim will win their lawsuit so the provider has not guaranteed they will be paid.

However, when your accident attorney is the one who is helping you find doctors who will treat on liens, you know that you will receive high-quality care since part of your attorney’s job is to look out for your best interests. Your attorney will also be ready for any accusations by the defense that the medical provider is being less than truthful about your medical condition in order to help you win your lawsuit. Contact the Saavedra Law Firm.