MRI Scans for Personal Injury Lawsuits: 4 Things to Look for in a Provider

May 31, 2018
Personal injury attorneys rely on MRI scans and other types of diagnostic imaging to build their cases. But not every hospital or clinic has the experience, the infrastructure, and the staff to provide crucial evidence when you need it.

 

Precise Imaging specializes in working with legal professionals while providing their clients with friendly, patient-centered service. We provide a single point-of-contact for management of all your personal injury cases, no matter how many you have at a time. We also have a designated web portal specifically for attorneys.

 

When you look for a diagnostic imaging center to work with, here are a few of the benefits you should look for — all of which you can find at Precise Imaging:    

1. Patient-Centered Care


Diagnostic imaging built around the patient's health and comfort is at the core of Precise Imaging practice. Our radiologists, technologists, and support staff are all trained to communicate warmly and with respect for the patient's values and experience. We take cues, both verbal and nonverbal, and offer emotional support alongside physical comforts to ensure that patients can get back to their busy lives feeling good about the experience.

 

Patient satisfaction is always our goal. We understand that attorneys are motivated by their clients' success because we feel the same.

2. Flexible and Convenient Scheduling


Speaking of patient satisfaction, market research suggests that patients list scheduling difficulty and waiting time for appointments as major issues in their choice of health care provider. We suspect that attorneys who make appointments for their clients would say much the same.  

 

With over 70 locations, Precise Imaging offers appointments for your clients when and where it's convenient for them. We can even schedule same-day imaging. Our radiologists provide reports within 24 hours of a scan — and faster when requested. Precise Imaging has years of experience working with the legal community, and we pride ourselves on taking the stress off patients and their representatives both through flexible scheduling.

 

When a client is struggling with an injury and a legal case, it helps to keep one thing, at least, as simple as possible. Our scheduling process is quick, easy, and convenient, no matter who makes the call.

3. HIPAA-Compliant Online Access to Images


Once a scan is completed and the radiologist analyzes the results, we offer images in the format of your choice. We can put the images on a CD or other digital device, or we can simply make them available to you, 24/7, through our attorney web portal.

 

The portal complies with all HIPAA regulations, allowing patients, health care professionals, and attorneys access to the information they need when they need it. Our attorney portal offers a user-friendly interface designed to simplify the organization of complex legal data.

4. Medical Lien Payments and Letters of Protection


Of course, unexpected medical bills can be difficult to cover. Your clients shouldn't worry about that while focusing on their cases. Precise Imaging accepts medical liens and letters of protection for personal injury to simplify patient finances during a trying time.

 

Precise Imaging offers a full suite of resources for attorneys. Find them here. And when you need MRI scans for personal injury lawsuits, contact Precise Imaging at 800-558-2223.

 

Understanding the Personal Injury Lien as Payment for Diagnostic Imaging

May 9, 2018
Personal injury liens help victims obtain medical treatment and stay afloat financially while their case is being decided. While this agreement entitles medical centers to repayment after a case has been settled, it can be greatly beneficial to attorneys and their clients as well.

 

Because many people cannot afford to pay major unforeseen medical bills, liens provide a lifeline until a settlement is reached, and attorneys benefit by ensuring that their clients get medical procedures and imaging completed in a timely manner. Still, there are a few things to consider when advising clients on this complicated subject.

 

The first thing to consider is what kind of experience the health care facility has with liens. Many smaller medical centers and imaging facilities don't accept personal injury liens; others may have a poor history of working out reimbursements. While the client may not have a choice of their initial point of care, they can certainly choose where subsequent imaging is done.

 

And that medical imaging is important for not only the person's future medical care, but also the outcome of their personal injury case.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans can make or break a case.


Some physicians are reluctant to order MRI scans for accident victims — they feel that the scanning technology is so good at detecting problems that it can reveal false positives through asymptomatic abnormalities. However, there are many reasons that American courts encourage MRI scans.

 

For one, an MRI scan is completely objective. While radiologists may have differing interpretations of the scans, the scans themselves cannot be manipulated to distort the truth. That makes for powerful evidence to a judge or jury. Seeing the results of negligence in a black and white scan trumps many other forms of evidence.

 

Furthermore, seeing clear evidence of an injury can increase the value of a claim. Injuries in the brain, spinal discs, nerves, and joints can be difficult to verify without this state-of-the-art imagery. An MRI shows what many other forms of imaging cannot, and that's makes it invaluable to winning and maximizing personal injury lawsuits.

Of course, some patients may be reluctant to get MRI scans for a variety of reasons.


In these cases, victims of injury should be aware of how beneficial these scans can be for correct diagnosis and beginning recovery (not to mention, winning a case). Magnetic resonance allows doctors to pinpoint the source of an injury with the very latest technology available.

 

Some people hesitate to complete scans because of anxiety over claustrophobia. These fears are completely understandable, but there has been progress in recent years in making the technology more patient-friendly. For instance, open MRIs can help keep patients calm by eliminating the closed spaces that exist in traditional MRI machines. Even simple strategies, like prescribing an anti-anxiety medication or providing headphones with music can help anxious patients get through a scan.

Choosing an imaging center with personal injury experience can make the process easier for patients and attorneys.


The biggest reason is that facilities with experience offer a patient-centered focus and streamlined approach to accessing medical images. These facilities understand HIPAA regulations, know the preferred formats for images, and offer web portals for easy accessibility.

 

Using a single, preferred diagnostic company can also simplify caseloads for attorneys.

By relying on a trusted imaging center, firms know that crucial evidence is always just a click away — no matter what time of day. Attorneys can also trust that their clients are getting the best rates, so that injury victims can hold onto the lion's share of their settlement.

 

Finding a diagnostic imaging center that can handle time-sensitive requests is also important. Many hospitals experience lengthy delays in scheduling scans. Because Precise Imaging has over 70 locations, we can schedule same-day scans. Even better, our radiologists will file reports no later than 48 hours after the scan (and sometimes much sooner). The quick scheduling and prompt reading allows personal injury cases to clear significant hurdles without taking up too much time.

Look for an imaging center with web portals for attorneys.


Because legal cases are time-sensitive, having a 24-7 web portal available is crucial. Precise Imaging provides such portals so that attorneys can access important information night or day. Our web portals provide medical images, payment information, and case details, all while fully complying with HIPAA regulations. This service keeps attorneys organized and on track without having to rely on the medical center being open for service.  

 

Our facilities are well-acquainted with the needs of personal injury lawyers, and our patient-centered facilities can comfort distraught patients who have recently suffered injuries. We offer a number of anxiety-reducing strategies to make our MRI scans as comfortable as possible.

 

We can schedule scans for the same day and get you results within 48 hours. All of the information an attorney or patient needs to access can be found on our 24-hour-per-day web portal. These services simplify a personal injury case and keep you on track.

 

We have partnered with patients and attorneys for thousands of personal injury cases and take our responsibilities to all parties seriously. We are prepared to accept all forms of payment, including workers' comp, liens, and deferred payment (through a letter of protection).

 

Precise Imaging makes scans fast and easy for patients and provides streamlined results for attorneys. If you'd like to partner with Precise Imaging for your personal injury cases, call 800.558.2223 or make an online referral here.


References

 

"7 Steps to Approaching Lien Claims in Personal Injury Cases." FindLaw.com. n.d. Web. 3 May 2018.

 

Coye Law Firm. "What Is A Letter Of Protection? Learn More About The Pros And Cons Of Using A Letter Of Protection Or LOP." HG.org n.d. Web. 3 May 2018.

 

Jacobson, Martin & Schweers, R. "Ethical Considerations in Personal Injury Settlements and Lien Resolution." Bill of Particulars. Vol. 1 2012. Web. 3 May 2018.

 

"Medical Liens: A Primer." The Steve Dhillon Law Firm. n.d. Web. 3 May 2018.

 

Weiner, Ron "Lien vs. Subrogation." MedLien Solutions. 3 Nov. 2015. Web. 3 May 2018.

 

Choosing Diagnostic Imaging Services for Personal Injury Cases

May 4, 2018
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans can be crucial pieces of evidence in personal injury lawsuits. The detailed images can convince a jury or judge that an injury occurred as a result of an accident or negligence, rather than aging and genetics.

 

MRI scans are universally accepted by insurance companies and courts because of their objectivity and superiority to older forms of imaging, like X-ray. Different radiologists may have differing interpretations of the scans, but in general, the results of an MRI scan provide definitive evidence to a judge or jury.

 

Another great advantage of MRI scans is that they use no radiation, and thus are safer than alternative forms of medical imaging. Instead, MRI scans use powerful magnets to develop highly detailed scans of the body. These powerful magnets require special attention for those with pacemakers or other implanted devices, but scans can still be safely given to most cardiac patients.

 

Litigation MRI scans are helping everyone from injured motorists to football players with traumatic brain injuries. It's this versatility that makes MRI scans the gold standard for determining medical history.

Unfortunately, MRI scanners at hospitals are expensive and in high-demand.


This may lead the doctor to prescribe rest for your client's injury before signing off on an MRI scan. If you'd like to move your case along, we can help schedule an affordable and timely scan. Precise Imaging has years of experience and accepts cases on lien. Advantages of working with us include:

 

  1. Fast and easy scheduling - Call Precise Imaging at (800) 558-2223 or schedule an appointment online. We have over 70 locations, many open nights and weekends, to get your scans done quickly and professionally.

  2. A variety of delivery options - Obtain scans on compact discs or other secure media for reliable access. We're experienced in handling potential evidence and same-day reporting is available in many locations.

  3. A range of imaging modalities - Whether you need dual-focus X-ray tubes or an open MRI machine, we've got you covered. For any type of medical imaging, we'll harness our flexibility to get you the best images for your case.

  4. Our facilities are patient-focused - We know that patients who have suffered an injury are under stress and possibly in pain. Our highly trained techs will make sure patients are comfortable and stress-free as they undergo imaging.


 

Precise Imaging has served more than 150,000 patients throughout California, Nevada, and Arizona. Whether you're an attorney or a patient, we can schedule an appointment at a convenient time and place. Call (800) 558-2223 or make an appointment online.

 

References

 

Cherniak, Todd. "Litigation MRI: Why Lawyers Are Asking for It and Why Your Patients Need It." British Columbia Medical Journal. Vol. 47, No. 7. Sept. 2005. Pp 358-361.

 

"Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Safety." RadiologyInfo.org. 5 Apr. 2017. Web. 1 May 2018.

 

"MRI is Safe for Most People with Pacemakers and Defibrillators." Harvard Health Publishing. Harvard Medical School. Jan. 2018. Web. 1 May 2018.

 

Brown, Francis H. "Recent Developments in Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation." American Bar Association. 12 Sept. 2016. Web. 1 May 2018.

The Expanding Use of MRI in Personal Injury Law

December 21, 2017
 

Personal injury attorneys have relied on MRI scans to bolster their clients' claims for years, but the role of this crucial technology may soon grow dramatically. As a diagnostic imaging modality, MRI is ideal for recording soft tissue injuries, including disc protrusions and herniations and muscle tears. But even perfect documentation of these injuries doesn't necessarily prove a devastating type of affliction that's all too common, and often difficult to demonstrate: chronic pain.

 

Pain is a subjective sensation. One person's agony might be another's slight discomfort, and defense attorneys have a history of leaning on this subjectivity to reduce damages. Meanwhile, though, patients' lives can be destroyed; ravaged by pain, they might not be able to work, or even perform daily tasks of living. A fair settlement might be the only thing that stands between them and utter destitution.

 

But how can an MRI scan document pain? Neuroscientists say they're right on the verge of an answer.

 

Using MRI Technology to Track Pain's Pathways in the Brain

 

A specialized type of MRI scan, functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI, measures blood flow within the brain. When a certain region of the brain activates, cerebral blood flow in that area increases. The fMRI tracks these changes.

 

Brain mapping allows neuroscientists to associated certain areas of the human brain with general functional experiences within the thinker — including, perhaps, the thinker's experience of pain. If an attorney could demonstrate that a client's brain activity is consistent with chronic pain, that could be enough to sway the judge. However, we're not quite ready to break out the fMRI scans in tomorrow's personal injury case.

 

Hurdles in the Use of fMRI Scans for Personal Injury Cases

 

Neuroscientists are still debating the reliability of fMRI to demonstrate chronic pain. Most of the studies involving pain and brain mapping have been conducted on acute pain, not the chronic variety. Some scientists argue that patients could "cheat" the scan, imagining a greater-than-baseline intensity of pain.  

 

The science behind demonstrating pain with fMRI scans isn't quite up to courtroom standards yet, but it's close, and it's getting closer. With every new study on the subject, fMRI technology inches toward a future in which pain is as visible as a broken arm in an X-ray.

 

Meanwhile, standard MRI scans continue to be an important element in many personal injury cases. This technology has changed the way personal injury law functions, and it appears it will continue to do so in a broader range of cases soon.  

 

References:

 

Cherniak, Todd. "Litigation MRI: Why lawyers are asking for it and why your patients need it." BCMJ. British Columbia Medical Journal, Sept. 2005. Web. 20 Dec. 2017.

 

Davis, Kevin. "Personal injury lawyers turn to neuroscience to back claims of chronic pain." ABAJournal. American Bar Association, Mar. 2016. Web. 20 Dec. 2017.

 

Geddess, Linda. "Human brain mapped in unprecedented detail." Nature. Macmillan Publishers Limited, 20 July 2016. Web. 20 Dec. 2017.   

 

Precise Imaging to Open New Anaheim Location

November 10, 2017
Precise Imaging to Open New Anaheim Location, Expanding Availability of Patient-Centered Diagnostic Care with Unparalleled Access for Physicians

 

November 10, 2017 — Anaheim, California —  Precise Imaging, a private corporation owned by Jaklin Benji, Matt Benji and Mike Rashidi, will open a new facility at 3174 West Lincoln Ave., in Southwest Anaheim, on the 13th day of November 2017. As a leading independent provider of diagnostic imaging services across California, Nevada, and Arizona this latest location will feature a state-of-the-art open MRI scanner.  The opening of an Anaheim location will create even more flexibility for those in need of imaging services while expanding access for referring physicians and their patients.

 

"Access to quality care is our highest priority," said Danny Rackow, director of technology and operations at Precise Imaging. "The new Anaheim location gives doctors and patients yet another quality source for MRI procedures while bringing the  benefits of an open MRI to a whole new community."

 

The Anaheim location adds to Precise Imaging's growing network of over 100 locations, many of which offer evening and weekend hours, same-day referrals, and 24-hour turnaround on radiology reports—even less for STAT cases.

 

Patient-Centered Care with Physician-Preferred Workflow

 

In keeping with Precise Imaging's mission to build dependable relationships with referring physicians in every medical specialty, the new location will offer a powerful suite of digital resources for health care providers. Physicians can make referrals at any time through a free online form. Following the procedure, they can view radiology reports and images 24 hours a day through a simple, HIPAA-compliant web portal. Experienced IT staff is available at every hour of the day and night to assist physicians with all digital tools.

 

"Doctors should be able to focus on care and not get bogged down on the simplest interactions such as scheduling, availability and ease of use with a provider," Mike Rashidi said. "We built our physician access tools to make the entire process hassle-free, from referral to reporting to interacting with insurance providers, because we want what the doctors want: better health outcomes for patients."

 

Precise Imaging has a proven track record of patient satisfaction, and the new location will continue this tradition. The inclusion of a comfortable open MRI scanner in the latest facility is just one example of the compassionate care that sets Precise Imaging apart. Friendly, experienced staff and board-certified radiologists take the time to provide support for the whole patient—body and mind—and that can lead to better, more actionable reports.

 

To learn more about Precise Imaging's new location, or to schedule an appointment anywhere in the network, call 800-558-2223.

 

About Precise Imaging

 

Precise Imaging is a leading provider of MRI, X-ray, PET, and other diagnostic services with locations across California, Arizona, and Nevada. The company offers industry-leading support for physicians and attorneys with best-in-class patient care. Flexible billing options include Medicaid/Medicare, PPO insurance, personal injury liens, cash prices, and more. To learn more about Precise Imaging, please visit www.precisemri.com.    

Should Physicians Order MRI Scans for Personal Injury Litigation?

November 8, 2017
Should Physicians Order MRI Scans for Personal Injury Litigation?

 

Physicians are rightfully reluctant to order MRI scans on patients they can confidently diagnose using other means. The clarity of the MRI image is, paradoxically, the reason why many physicians use them sparingly; MRI scans reveal asymptomatic abnormalities that can lead to false positives if doctors are overzealous in their diagnosis.

 

However, there are compelling reasons why physicians should still bow to attorney requests for MRI scans in personal injury cases. In fact, according to a 2005 argument published in the British Columbia Medical Journal, MRI scans were remarkably common in U.S. personal injury cases. This is no time for that to change. Here's why:

 

  1. False positives can be controlled by the reporting radiologist's scrutiny and the health care team's other diagnostic efforts.  


 

MRI scans alone might result in inaccuracies, but physicians don't see these results in a vacuum. Medically, the MRI scan is one part of a larger diagnostic whole. Meanwhile, legally, the scan images can convince the court of the claim's validity.   

 

  1. MRI scans can provide clear, convincing evidence of injury in many cases.


 

There's no clearer way to show soft tissue damage than an MRI image, which can be colored to highlight areas of interest, and even displayed in three dimensions.

 

 

  • The use of MRI protects physicians from later claims of negligent care in the unfortunate case that a more serious injury is revealed in the future.


 

 

If an MRI scan could have revealed an injury, and the physician fails to order one, that could leave the doctor vulnerable to legal action.

 

  1. It's easy to schedule quick, accurate, and affordable MRI scans.


 

Legal cases happen on a strict schedule, which is why Precise Imaging ensures a quick turnaround on reports, same-day scheduling, and fair pricing.   

 

  1. The costs of MRI are often recoverable in personal injury cases.


 

All Precise Imaging locations accept payments via personal injury lien and letters of protection, so if the patient wins the case, the procedure is covered.   

 

The Value of MRI Images in Personal Injury Cases

 

MRI technology is a crucial tool for diagnosing problems with the brain, spinal discs, nerves, joints, and muscles that may not be detected using other methods. These soft tissues are often associated with personal injury cases stemming from car accidents or slips and falls. Once the medical team makes the diagnosis, recovery can begin — and the case can play out.  

 

From a legal perspective, the images produced by an MRI scan can help win cases and might even increase the value of the claim, which ultimately benefits patients, doctors, and attorneys. MRI results are objective and can be used as a helpful “final word” in a legal setting. By using MRI scans in mediation or at trial, lawyers can fight for what patients need to cover their health care, now and in the future. That's a worthwhile goal for physicians as well.  

 

To learn more, or to make a referral, call Precise Imaging at 800-558-2223.

Medical Imaging for Personal Injury Claims Involving Car Accidents

October 13, 2017
Medical Imaging for Personal Injury Claims Involving Car Accidents

 

Personal injury claims require a serious burden of proof, and medical imaging can be the case-deciding factor. Even when doctors decline to order MRI scans, lawyers themselves can sometimes schedule a diagnostic imaging procedure for their clients.

 

Here's what attorneys should know about pursuing medical imaging procedures for their patients who have been injured in at-fault car accidents:

 

 
Some MRI scans do not require a physician's referral.

 

 

You can divide MRI scans into two general categories: those that require an intravenous contrast agent, typically a harmless element called gadolinium, and those that don't. The former do require a doctor's order, but a simple MRI scan, without the use of contrast agent, may not require an initial doctor’s referral

 

 
Most other medical imaging procedures do require a doctor's recommendation.

 

 

Many of the leading technologies radiologists use to diagnose injuries and illnesses expose patients to a small dose of ionizing radiation. It's small, but over a patient's lifespan, the exposure accumulates. That's why radiologists generally do require a physician's referral before proceeding with tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and arthrograms.

 
 

Doctors often order MRI scans in cases of suspected cases of spinal injury and soft tissues.

 

 

MRI scans are particularly well-suited to imaging soft tissues, such as ligaments, muscles, and nerves. Injuries associated with car accidents — including whiplash and herniated discs — often involve these soft tissues. So this imaging modality is particularly well suited to common injuries that result from car accidents.

 

 
Rear-end collisions frequently lead to whiplash and spinal cord injuries.

 

 

When one driver rear-ends another, causing injury, half of the attorney's job is already done: It's usually simpler to assign fault in rear-end collision cases.

 

However, they still have to convince the judge that the patient was truly injured. Because this type of wreck often leads to soft-tissue injuries, MRI scans might be the ideal imaging modality to show to prove the negative effect of the accident on the plaintiff's health.

 

 
Precise Imaging can provide MRI scans on a tight deadline.

 

 

Some personal injury attorneys spend hours calling around to diagnostic imaging providers, looking for a quick MRI before a case goes to court. The better solution would be to rely on a consistent resource with an imaging provider that understands the role of diagnostic imaging in legal cases — a provider like Precise Imaging.

 

Precise Imaging has experience serving attorneys and their clients in the Los Angeles area and beyond. We offer specialized resources just for attorneys, and accept personal injury liens as well as letters of protection. There's even a dedicated web portal just for attorneys, complete with 24/7 IT support.

 

We also understand that, in law, timing is of the essence. That's why Precise Imaging's locations offer expedited, 24-hour service on radiology reports with tight deadlines.    

 

The next time you file a personal injury claim for a client who was injured in a car accident, remember the value of diagnostic MRI scans. Call Precise Imaging at 800-558-2223 to learn more.

  

 

Personal Injury Attorneys and Diagnostic Imaging: A Patient-Centered Approach

September 22, 2017
Personal injury cases often hinge on great diagnostic imaging, and attorneys can benefit from referring their patients to a provider with experience in the field. While injured patients are free to schedule an MRI or X-ray at a hospital or random imaging center, cases flow much more smoothly when attorneys and their clients choose providers that know how to best assist in the case, while providing excellent, patient-centered care. Here are a few reasons personal injury attorneys should stick to a single preferred provider for diagnostic imaging:

 
Patients might need to pay for diagnostic imaging with a personal injury lien.

 

Many medical providers aren't equipped to handle lien payments. When attorneys and clients agree on an imaging provider prior to injury, they can choose a company that has long years of experience handling personal injury cases, including lien payments — that is, a company like Precise Imaging.

 
Attorneys often need diagnostic imaging results quickly.

 

Hospitals sometimes experience lengthy delays before they can schedule a diagnostic imaging procedure. Then, when the procedure is complete, staff radiologists might take days to complete the radiology report. Meanwhile, case deadlines can come and go.

 

Precise Imaging offers same-day scheduling and quick turnaround times for reports. Radiologists file their reports within 48 hours of the procedure, and usually much sooner, often within just 24 hours.

Not all imaging centers are prepared for letters of protection.

 

For personal injury cases involving a letter of protection, it's important to choose an imaging provider that has experience with this legal tool. Precise Imaging has partnered with patients and their attorneys for thousands of personal injury cases, and accepts every type of remuneration, including workers' compensation, liens, and deferred payment based on a letter of protection.    

 
Attorneys can simplify client care with a preferred diagnostic imaging provider.

 

With Precise Imaging for personal injury cases, a single phone call gives attorneys everything they need to win in court. In fact, attorneys never need to pick up the phone to get help for their clients. A specialized attorney web portal provides images, payment information, and case details with full HIPAA compliance. It's available 24/7, and so is the IT support that ensures everything runs smoothly.

 

Clients will appreciate the friendly, professional service they receive at any of Precise Imaging's 70+ locations. They'll also love the simple scheduling, with evening and weekend appointments available. Attorneys, on the other hand, will find a streamlined approach that simplifies personal injury cases while providing medical details that win in court.

 

To learn more about Precise Imaging's commitment to assisting in personal injury cases, or to refer a client today, call 800.558.2223. You can also make an online referral here.

Types of Medical Liens for Personal Injury Claims

July 7, 2017
Medical liens offer a simple and convenient way for patients to receive medical services well before paying. That's the good news. The bad news is that, if another organization pays for your health care following an injury — and then you win a lawsuit — you'll probably have to pay your benefactor back out of the settlement.

States set laws on eligibility for liens, so you'll definitely want to talk to a local attorney to see if there could be liens on a personal injury settlement. Generally, though, liens can be categorized by the institution that actually pays for health care following an injury. Here are the possible holders of medical liens to ask about when you win a personal injury case:

  1. Health Care ProvidersSome hospitals, doctors, and independent clinics accept payment on a lien basis. If you have the luxury of forethought, talk to your attorney; they probably have some great providers they already work with.

    Some hospitals might ask you to sign a Letter of Protection, which guarantees their right to payment out of the eventual settlement. Still, paying out of your settlement is a much better alternative to paying out-of-pocket.

  2. Health Insurance CompaniesInsurers usually expect to get paid back for any medical expenses you've incurred if you win a handsome settlement in court. There's probably a clause in your policy that gives the insurer a right to place a lien on that settlement.

    One option to sidestep a payout to your insurance company is to find a facility that offers cash pricing before you receive treatment. Providers and patients alone negotiate a cash price, which is typically much, much lower than what your insurance company has to pay. For low cash prices on all diagnostic imaging procedures, with or without a lien, call BestPriceMRI.com at 888-322-7785.

  3. Government Agencies and ProgramsLiens from Medicaid, Medicare, and the Veteran's Administration must be paid back before liens from other parties. That's why they're called "super liens." If you any of these institutions paid for your medical care, talk to an attorney about how these liens will affect your settlement.

    Again, if you're in a position to choose, you can always choose a diagnostic imaging facility that accepts cash payments to avoid incurring a super lien.

  4. Workers' Compensation BenefitsIf worker's compensation pays for your health care, and your lawsuit is with your employer, it's unlikely that they'll place a lien on the settlement. However, if you sue a third party involved in an injury, and workers' compensation pays for your care, they probably will issue a lien on any final payout.

    Luckily, many states limit workers' compensation liens to just two-thirds the value of the actual medical expense. Still, it's always a good idea to ask health care providers about the possibility of cash pricing when possible.


As in all health care spending, choosing affordable providers will keep more money in your pocket. When you've been wrongfully injured, you're not always in a position to choose your place of treatment, but if you are, inquire about cash pricing to avoid more expensive liens from third-party payers.

Give us a call if we can assist you with your medical lien MRIat 800-558-2223
personal-injury-lien

Personal Injury Liens and Medical Imaging: What to Know

July 5, 2017
Personal Injury Liens and Medical Imaging: What to Know

 

Personal injury claimants don't need health insurance or upfront cash to pay for medical imaging services. They can opt to cover their coverage with a medical lien instead.

 

If your injury was caused by another party, and you file a claim, medical liens offer a way to defer payment for medical expenses—including X-rays, MRI scans, and other imaging procedures—until after you've received your settlement. However, liens also legally require you to repay the entity that paid for the treatment in the first place, whether that's a health insurer, a workers' compensation fund, or even the hospital itself.   

 

Medical liens can get tricky, and you should discuss your own case with your lawyer before making any decisions. In the meantime, here are the basics of what you should know about personal injury liens and medical imaging:

 

  1. Lien-basis medical treatment will become a legal part of your case.  


 

Medical liens are legal structures that become part of the framework of a personal injury case. That means your lawyer can handle the payment as part of the claim, saving patients time and frustration dealing with unending medical bills.

 

  1. Not all medical imaging providers accept payment on a lien basis.


 

Health care professionals incur some risk when they agree to treat patients with a lien. After all, that patient could lose their case or not have sufficient funds to pay their medical bills satisfactorly. Therefore, some providers refuse to accept liens in lieu of upfront payment. Precise Imaging accepts personal injury liens and workers' compensation liens, and they work with patients and lawyers together to keep the process smooth and simple.  

 

  1. The lien payment may come out of your personal injury settlement.


 

You won't have to raid the checking account to pay a personal injury lien. The money comes straight out of your settlement, which should be adjusted to cover all of your medical bills, as well as other considerations, such lost wages and suffering.

 

  1. Your lawyer may be able to negotiate a lower price before settling.


Because attorneys build relationships with medical care providers and insurance companies alike, they can often negotiate a discount rate for work done on a lien basis.

 

While the idea of a lien might seem intimidating at first, they enable absolutely everyone to receive the care they need. Claimants who don't have insurance or lots of savings can be devastated by the medical expenses associated with personal injury.

 

When doctors and lawyers work out payment on a lien basis, the party that's responsible for the injury ends up paying the medical bills. That's a fair and just way to resolve claims.

 

Medical imaging is a major step in the healing process, and it should be available to all. Thanks to personal injury liens, everyone has access to top-quality care without upfront payment. Call Precise Imaging at 800-558-2223 to learn more about friendly, effective care in personal injury cases involving a lien.