Why should the same doctor examine me repeatedly?
As someone involved in an accident and with an ICBC claim, it is important that you have regular examinations by your family doctor. The reason for this is that your doctor will record what you report over time. This is more powerful evidence than a single visit. ICBC will want you to go for an x-ray, a CT scan, or an MRI. These procedures are considered to provide strong objective evidence. Unfortunately, most soft-tissue injuries – ligaments, tendons, and muscles – do not appear in these types of scans. A regular and consistent examination by one doctor is the best thing you can do to document the changes in your health over time.
Benefits for physiotherapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, and dental treatments are important. Your doctor should be aware of these treatments and should generally be the one advising you to seek out these other professionals.
Your ICBC insurance policy states that ICBC shall “pay as benefits all reasonable expenses incurred by the insured as a result of the injury for necessary medical, surgical, dental, hospital, ambulance or professional nursing services, or for necessary physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, occupational therapy or speech therapy or for prosthesis or orthosis.”
There are some specific conditions that ICBC will try to enforce regarding which treatments they will pay for and when. Speak with a lawyer to find out what you should demand from the ICBC adjuster.