Using PIP for Massage Therapy After an Auto Accident
Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, is part of some automobile insurance policies.
Michelle has been through the PIP process herself after her own accident, so she knows how confusing it can be. We’ll help you through it.
In Washington, auto insurers are required to offer PIP coverage. A policyholder may reject the coverage, but the rejection must be made in writing. PIP can help pay medical expenses resulting from an auto accident regardless of who was at fault.
What Does PIP Cover?
Washington’s standard PIP coverage generally provides up to $10,000 per injured person for medical and hospital expenses, with optional increased coverage up to $35,000. Medical expenses must generally be incurred within three years of the collision. Your individual policy determines the coverage actually available to you.
PIP may pay for care that the insurer determines is:
- Related to the motor vehicle collision
- Reasonable
- Necessary
- Provided within the applicable coverage period
Coverage is not automatic for every service simply because a PIP policy exists.
What We Need From You
Before or at your first appointment, we may ask for:
- Auto insurance company
- PIP claim number
- Date of collision
- Claims adjuster’s name and contact information
- Policyholder information if different from the patient
- Referring provider information, when applicable
- Attorney information, if you are represented
- Your prescription or referral, including the diagnosis
This information allows us to establish the billing information associated with your claim.
Your First Visit
All initial appointments are 90 minutes.
Your first appointment includes a thorough accident-related intake so we can understand:
- What happened
- What symptoms began after the collision
- How those symptoms are affecting daily life
- What treatment you have already received
- What activities remain difficult
- Your goals for recovery
Hands-on treatment is provided as appropriate during the appointment.
How We Bill PIP
When appropriate, Tri-Cities Medical Massage bills the PIP carrier directly for covered accident-related services.
Insurance companies make their own coverage and payment determinations based on the policy, claim, medical necessity, relationship to the collision, and other applicable requirements.
PIP Is Not Unlimited
PIP benefits have limits.
Because your coverage may also be paying for other accident-related care, we believe it is important to use benefits thoughtfully.
Treatment at Tri-Cities Medical Massage is based on your clinical needs, response, and progress, not simply on how much coverage is available.
If we learn that there is a coverage issue that may affect payment for future visits, we will discuss it with you rather than knowingly continuing treatment without addressing the financial question.
Do I Need an Attorney?
You do not need an attorney in order to receive massage therapy from us.
We are health care providers, not attorneys, and we do not provide legal advice.
If you are represented, we are happy to maintain appropriate professional communication with your attorney when you authorize us to do so.
Do I Need a Referral?
Yes. To bill PIP, we need a prescription or referral that includes a diagnosis from your physician, chiropractor or other treating provider. Massage therapists can’t diagnose, so this has to come from your provider. If you don’t have one yet, call us and we’ll tell you what to ask for.
Download Our Referral Form
Take it to your physician or chiropractor to fill out and sign.
Ready to Schedule?
If you are hurting after a motor vehicle collision and have PIP coverage, contact us.
We can help you determine what information we need to get started.
First appointment within 3 business days · Se habla español
Call 509.405.2642