Winter Park Chiropractic
Personal Injury Protection
What you NEED to know about the new PIP laws
and what the government and insurance companies DON’T want you to know.
1: First, Exam – We’ll assess the extent of your injury and identify any underlying issues.
2: Then, Consultation – We’ll discuss your symptoms, medical history, and concerns in detail.
3: Finally, Report of Findings – You’ll receive a clear explanation of what we found and how we can help.It’s time to start living without pain!
Enter Your Details Below for Our Post Injury Assessment
What is Personal Injury Protection (P.I.P.)?
P.I.P. stands for Personal Injury Protection. It is also known as “no-fault” coverage. All Florida motor-vehicle owners are required to maintain P.I.P. by law. It pays medical expenses related to a motor-vehicle collision up to the first $10,000 regardless of fault.
January 1, 2013: PIP laws changed
1. First and foremost: A 14-Day Treatment Window
Under the updated PIP (Personal Injury Protection) laws in Florida, patients now have only 14 days from the date of their auto accident to seek treatment from an approved medical provider. If you miss this window, you will lose your full PIP benefits.
2. Secondly: EMC Requirement for Full Benefits
To access your entire PIP coverage, you must visit an approved doctor who will perform an Emergency Medical Condition (EMC) evaluation. Insurance companies use this evaluation to decide whether your injuries qualify for full reimbursement.
If you skip this step, you may have to depend on your private health insurance to cover your accident-related medical expenses expenses the state previously included under mandatory PIP coverage.
3. Furthermore: Only Specific Providers Can Diagnose an EMC
The law now limits EMC evaluations to specific providers. Only the following professionals have the authority to diagnose and declare an EMC:
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Medical Doctors (MD)
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Osteopathic Doctors (DO)
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Physician Assistants (PA)
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Dentists (DMD)
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Registered Nurses (RN)
By contrast, the law no longer allows Chiropractors (DCs) to perform EMC evaluations—even though many patients report the most relief and recover more quickly from soft tissue injuries when chiropractors treat them after an auto accident.
4. Additionally: Massage Therapy and Acupuncture Are No Longer Covered
Another significant change is that the new PIP laws exclude massage therapy and acupuncture treatments from coverage.
This change is unfortunate, as massage therapy offers numerous proven benefits, especially after a car accident. Massage therapy can:
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Stimulate tissue healing
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Reduce muscle spasms
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Improve scar tissue mobility
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Enhance joint flexibility
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Lower blood pressure
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Reduce stress and anxiety
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Retrain soft tissues to function properly
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Release endorphins (your body’s natural “feel-good” hormones)
COURT RULINGS
March 18, 2013: Court Issues Temporary Injunction Against New PIP Laws
In the case of Myers vs. McCarty, the court ruled that patients no longer needed an EMC (Emergency Medical Condition) to seek treatment. The injunction restored patients’ access to full PIP benefits, and once again allowed insurance to cover massage therapy and acupuncture for auto accident victims.
April 19, 2013: Officials File Appeal to Overturn Injunction
Governor Rick Scott and Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty filed an appeal to overturn the temporary injunction issued on March 18, 2013.
April 22, 2013: Judge Upholds the Injunction
On April 22, 2013, Circuit Court Judge Terry Lewis ruled in favor of the injunction. He granted the plaintiff’s request to dismiss the appeal and allowed the injunction to remain in effect, keeping the previous PIP coverage terms intact.