General Doctor in Raleigh

My daughter that lives in Raleigh was in an accident a week ago and needs to have a revisit with a doctor.  The urgent care facilities won't take her because she doesn't have insurance and the auto insurance company will not pay until after she turns in all of her bills (thanks to the 18 year old boy that t-boned her while driving mommy's car).  Are there doctors out there that she could make payments to until the settlement goes through so that she can be seen now?  She is in pain on the right side of her chest and under her arm area but won't go to a doctor because she can't afford it.  Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated since I live in NY and can't run down to help her.  Please email me if you have any suggestions.  Thanks so much.  Sharon

I really don't know. My primary care Dr. is Dr. David Becker in Raleigh. He's very good and caring. I don't know about how his office would handle payment issues. Here is his contact information:

Carolina Family Practice

www.cfpsm.com

8300 Health Park
Raleigh, NC 27615-4730
(919) 238-2000 

I wish you and your daughter all the best.
 

I may be naive, but don't hospital emergency rooms have to take you?  Insurance or no?  What would happen if she just walked into Duke or UNC or Rexs' emergency room?  Would they just refuse to take care of her?  it seems to me that a car accident & pains in her side are an emergency.  How many people off the street are taken in by EMT's or just walk in for various things... fights, stab wounds, gun shots, baby delivery, etc.  I'm sure not everyone has insurance. 

Am i naive think that people without insurance can get care if they really need it??????

You are correct that they will not likely refuse to see her if she shows up at the ER to be seen for care after an accident.  In general, it is almost impossible for them to legally refuse to see her.

However, if she does not have medical insurance, they will likely still vigorously attempt to collect their bill from her later.  Collection agencies, liens, and lawsuits are a real possibility if she has any assets for them to draw from in recovering their bill, depending on the amount.  Care from any emergency room is the most expensive option available to her in getting care.  I don't recommend that unless she has no other realistic option. 

If she has any ability to pay, she would be better off to see if she can find a doctor's office willing to see her as a fee for service patient.  Many of them will do that.  The county health department or a local indigent or free clinic may be another option if she is unable to pay.  

Wish I had better options, but until our broken healthcare system is fixed, it is what we are living with.
Rick

Hi Rick,

I think that, if I read the initial post correctly, she will have the ability to pay because the insurance will cover, but she may need to be billed instead of paying 'up front.' I don't think this is an issue of not wanting to pay, but an issue of not having the upfront means to pay and having to wait for auto insurance 'reimbursement.' 

I hope that she is able to find a way to get the care that she needs and have the auto insurnace pay the resulting bills.

Goodness!
On re-reading my post, it does sound as though I'm implying that she doesn't want to pay her bill.  That certainly wasn't my intent, and if I offended anyone, I'm sorry.  I was only stating that ER's are a very expensive way to get any sort of healthcare and that they tend to be pretty aggressive in trying to collect their bills. 

Barb's answer is much better than mine.  Perhaps I'll indulge in that cup of coffee next time before I start typing. 

Rick

Hi Rick,

I hope that no one was offended and I think I understood where you were coming from.  Don't worry. We are all a pretty easy going bunch. 

Well, Dirk.... i think that sucks!!!

Sharon,

Have her contact the other party's insurance. I was in an accident shortly after we arrived in NC. The auto insurance should be covering the expenses. She generally should be getting claim number and then can provide that to her provider. Have her work with her insurance agent and the other party's insurance agent to get her the coverage and help that she needs asap.