Medical Professionals Who Can Help Your Recovery After a Georgia Car Accident

Following a car accident, you might see a range of medical professionals depending on the type of injury sustained. For example, a victim with a minor head injury might just see an emergency room doctor, while a victim with a spinal cord injury might need the assistance of a trauma surgeon, neurologist and psychiatrist.

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If you were recently injured in a car wreck, you might feel confused about which medical facility to visit or which healthcare professionals to see for your injuries. Navigating the medical treatment process after an accident can be complicated, since if you do not work in the medical field it is complex on knowing how it all works for car accident victims. Some specialists don't accept walk-ins, even though they might be the best professionals to help your injuries heal quickly. Below, we detail the medical professionals who commonly treat car accident victims and explain the steps involved in scheduling an appointment.

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics

As first responders to your accident Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs,) and paramedics play an essential role in  your well-being. Emergency Medical Technicians immediately work to stabilize injured individuals in order to transport them safely. They also provide essential care such as controlling bleeding, immobilizing injured body parts, administering oxygen, and managing shock. Additionally, they offer essential emotional support during these traumatic events.

These medical professionals work directly off of 911 calls, and do not require a doctors recommendation.

Emergency Room Physicians

If you’ve been transported to a local emergency room following your accident, the ER doctors and staff are next in line to provide immediate care for your injuries.

It is their job to quickly perform comprehensive exams and diagnostic tests to diagnose your condition. Emergency trauma care is what they do every day, their expertise makes it possible for them to stabilize patients, and administer necessary treatments. They will, of course, bring in specialists when necessary.

These medical professionals work directly off of walk-ins or paramedic drop offs to the Emergency room (ER).

Primary Care Physicians

Depending upon the severity of  your injuries, it is common for victims to return to their Primary Care Physicians after initial ER treatment.

Because your PCP is already familiar with your medical history, he or she is in a position to coordinate follow-up care, including referrals to specialists, and ongoing management of less severe injuries (e.g., whiplash, minor concussions). This role is extremely important as they often act as the “quarterbacks” of post-accident care. They are able to work seamlessly with specialists by documenting the full scope of recovery, which is critical for any legal claim you might have.

In the long-term your primary care physician can be considered the keeper of the keys to your accident claim. Your primary care doctor has your medical history at his/her fingertips. Should you later need to prove that the injuries you suffered were actually caused or made worse by this particular accident, that critical evidence is likely available in your medical files.

These medical professionals typically work off of appointment only. Some will see walk-ins during special hours.

Trauma Surgeons

Trauma Surgeons are the members of the team who fix what’s damaged on the inside. This means injured organs, internal bleeding, soft tissue damage, complex bone fractures and other severe traumatic injuries resulting from your Georgia accident.

In these situations, even seconds count. Fortunately, trauma surgeons have the skills necessary to act decisively, making  your chances for recovery much better.

These medical professionals work off of arrival at the ER. Occasionally surgeries are scheduled if the surgery.

Orthopedic Specialists

Orthopedic doctors are specialists in treating musculoskeletal injuries commonly associated with car accidents. These physicians diagnose and manage the care plan for  a wide range of injuries, including fractures, sprains, strains, and spinal injuries. Orthopedic specialists use various treatment options such as casting, bracing, physical therapy, or surgery, in order to help patients regain strength, mobility, and function - all necessary for a successful recovery from your Georgia car accident-related injuries.

Orthopedic specialists typically require scheduled appointments and rarely accept walk-ins, although some clinics offer same-day appointments or urgent-care hours for acute injuries.

Physiatrists and Physical Therapists

Physiatrists and physical therapists are not the same, but they often do work together to provide a more comprehensive care plan for their accident injury patients. In summary, physiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in non-surgical rehabilitation, while physical therapists implement the hands-on treatment aspects of rehabilitation plans. They work and plan together to provide the most complete care plan for patients recovering from injuries.

Physiatrists (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians): Are medical doctors who have completed medical school and a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

These doctors focus on diagnosing and managing musculoskeletal conditions, and developing comprehensive non-surgical rehabilitation plans.They may prescribe medications, perform injections, and order diagnostic tests in addition to recommending non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy.

Physiatrists typically require appointments and may need a doctor's referral, depending on insurance coverage.

Physical Therapists: Are healthcare professionals who have earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. These medical professionals focus on the evaluation, assessment, and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, often under a physiatrist's supervision.

Primarily utilize hands-on treatment methods, exercises, and modalities to help patients improve strength, mobility, and function.

Physical therapists usually accept direct appointments without a referral, although some insurance plans may require a physician's recommendation.

Pain Management Specialists

In some situations, accident injuries can be the source of long-term pain. When this happens,  your doctors may refer you to a pain specialist who will work to alleviate your pain through a number of treatments including medications, injections, nerve blocks, and physical therapy, to alleviate pain. The pain specialist is trained to be able to help you manage your discomfort and work towards a successful recovery by addressing both physical and emotional aspects of pain.

Chiropractors: Chiropractors can play an important role in helping car accident victims recover their health. These professionals focus on the non-surgical treatment of neuromusculoskeletal issues related to your accident.  To do this, they rely on manipulation of the spine and other body joints to relieve pressure and pain, making movement easier and healing less difficult.

When you are the victim of a car accident, you can rely on a multidisciplinary team of dedicated medical professionals like these whose expertise and care help to achieve a full and successful recovery.

Chiropractors typically accept direct appointments without referrals and commonly accommodate walk-ins, although scheduling ahead is recommended to avoid wait times.

Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Care Following a Car Accident

Q. What if I don’t have medical insurance or can’t afford medical care?

A. This is a common concern for accident victims. You should know that you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses through your own auto insurance or through the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. If you already have health insurance, it may cover some of your care as well. In some cases, hospitals and doctors may accept payment plans or other options to help manage medical costs. If you hire an  attorney, he or she will be able to help you identify sources for financial help.

Q: How long will it take to get my settlement from the insurance company so I can pay my doctors?

A: Because each accident is different, the timeline is unpredictable. Your recovery can be complicated and made more difficult at any time as you heal. If you choose to retain an attorney, the process may speed up, but it is unwise to rush into a settlement, particularly if you are not yet completely recovered.

Q:  How long after a car accident should I seek medical attention?

A:  At The Millar Law Firm, we recommend that you seek medical attention immediately after a car accident, even if you feel fine. Often, symptoms are not obvious right away, but a doctor can spot them through examinations and  tests. Not only can prompt evaluation ensure you receive the necessary care, it can also pave the way toward settlement of your claim by providing critical medical records.

Q: How do I know if I need a specialist like an orthopedist or physiatrist?

A: If your primary care provider or emergency room doctor suspects you need special care, he or she will refer you to a specialist accordingly. You can also consult with a specialist on your own if you have ongoing pain or mobility issues.

Q: Are chiropractors effective in treating car accident injuries?

A: Chiropractors can be very effective in treating certain car accident injuries, particularly those involving the spine, joints, and soft tissues. They can help alleviate pain and improve mobility.

Local Atlanta Hospitals that Treat Car Accident Patients

Type of Care	Facility Name	Address	Contact	Notes
Emergency Room	Emory University Hospital	1364 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA	(404) 712-2000	24/7 ER, Level I trauma center, excellent for severe injuries.
Urgent Care	Piedmont Urgent Care	1305 Hembree Rd, Roswell, GA	(770) 998-0600	Walk-ins welcome, good for non-life-threatening injuries.
Neurology	Atlanta Neurology	5673 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd, GA	(404) 256-3720	Specializes in head injuries, concussions; accepts referrals.
Orthopedics	Resurgens Orthopaedics'	5671 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd, GA	(404) 847-9999	Experts in fractures, spinal injuries; multiple locations in Atlanta.
Physical Therapy	Benchmark Physical Therapy	4825 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Lawrenceville, GA	(770) 962-9550	Offers personalized rehab programs for accident recovery.
Mental Health	Atlanta Counseling Center	6111 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd, GA	(404) 491-1455	Specializes in trauma, PTSD; offers sliding scale for uninsured patients.