How Does A Medical Lien Work?

Many people who are injured in accident, require medical treatment. Medical attention includes emergency, surgical, rehabilitation, and pharmacy services. With expensive deductibles and co-payments, these medical options are not available to everyone. At this point, you start to wonder the options to pay for medical expenses out of pocket, or receiving care on a medical lien.
 
A lien is a request for repayment that may be placed against your personal injury case. Your health insurance provider may issue a lien to recover money spent on treatment against your personal injury claim or lawsuit. Therefore, you may be required to pay back these medical expenses.
 

How does Medical Lien Affect a Personal Injury Case

 
Most medical providers are not willing to consider treatment on a lien basis unless you are represented by an attorney. Doctors or medical providers can verify the validity of the claim with the attorneys office. When a doctor has agreed to treat you on a medical lien, you accept that the doctor will be reimbursed for the medical services given. In other words, once you have reached a settlement in your personal injury case, expect to reimburse all medical providers who cared for you after your accident.
 
After an accident, its common to visit your primary doctor through your health insurance for immediate care. Your health insurance will likely file a lien on your personal injury case, to recover expenses related to the accident.
 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Medical Care on a Lien

 
Treating on a medical lien has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering treatment on a medical lien basis:

Advantages

• There is no immediate financial concern for those who don’t have the ability to pay a doctor up front for medical treatment.
• Treatment is given in a timely manner. No need to wait for approval from an insurance agent. Unapproved visits may cause inconsistencies in treatment.
• A lien doctor will provide detailed medical reports regarding causation of injury and future recommendations.
• Your attorney may be able to negotiate with the doctor to accept a reduced amount to settle the lien. Especially, if your personal injury settlement did not cover all your medical expenses.

 

Disadvantages

• Small number of doctors provide medical treatment on a lien basis. Therefore, expect a busier office and possible delays with medical reports.
• Some medical conditions require the care of specialists in other areas. These special providers often do not treat on a lien basis.
• If a personal injury is not successful, the patient may still remain responsible for the medical bills and services given.

 

Do You Need to Hire a Lawyer to Negotiate your Medical Lien?

 
If you received medical treatment on a lien, or your health insurance paid for your accident costs, you will need a lawyer to settle any liens against your case. Your case may come across complications where your medical bills exceed the available policy limits for recovery. Above all, your attorney can agree to reduce the lien amount and satisfy all medical bills. In conclusion, leaving you with the maximum compensation available for your pain and suffering.
 

Call the Attorneys at Sweet Law Group

 
Without help of a knowledgeable attorney, medical lien holders will hassle you to pay them every cent to the dollar of the medical bills owed. Therefore, it can leave you and your loved ones with financial loses. With over 40 years of experience in the legal field, Sweet Law Group knows what it takes to achieve the justice and compensation you deserve. Call (800) 674-7854 for a free, no-obligation consultation today!