Accessing healthcare after a personal injury can be difficult given the current family doctor shortage in Nova Scotia. Walk-in doctors may not always be comfortable writing treatment recommendations if they do not know the patient or the patient’s medical history.
For those who have been injured in a motor vehicle accident and do not have a family doctor, it is critical that you be evaluated as soon as possible. Injuries that can lead to permanent issues if not treated right away include traumatic brain injuries, concussions, herniated discs in the spine, whiplash, and broken bones. If you are unable to access a health care professional in a timely matter, this can lead to chronic pain especially after a motor vehicle accident.
The Role Virtual Health Care Can Play
Virtual health care makes health care more accessible. The injured can communicate with a health care professional over video chat or instant messaging. The injured person does not need to be an existing patient to receive treatment scripts. Virtual care allows the injured person to have a conversation with a doctor from the comfort of their own home. The doctor may issue treatment recommendations which will allow the patient to start physiotherapy, massage therapy, or psychological treatment. A virtual doctor may also be able to provide a note if the injured person is unable to work because of their injuries.
If you do not have a family doctor and you are on the ‘Need a Family Doctor Registry’ you can access a doctor through Nova Scotia Health Authority’s virtual care. If this applies to you, visit the following website to get started:
Family Focus walk-in clinic also offers virtual care visits for the cost of $45.00 for residents, and $100.00 for non-residents and you do not need to be on the ‘Need a Family Doctor Registry’ to access a doctor. You can visit there website here:
https://thefamilyfocus.ca/virtual-care/
Contacting a Personal Injury Lawyer after your accident
If you have been injured in a car accident, reach out to a personal injury lawyer today. A personal injury lawyer will help you navigate through the insurance system and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Most accident victims do not immediately know what their rights are or how to commence an injury claim. Hiring a lawyer in the early stages will assist you through the complex process and help you understand how the injury claims process works.
Having a car accident lawyer will help you determine how regulations and laws are interpreted including the Motor Vehicle Act and the Criminal Code of Canada. A competent car accident lawyer in Halifax will investigate the accident, ensure you have all the necessary documentation to prove your injuries, and explain to you how the process will proceed from one stage to another. Feel free to reach out to Wagners Law firm to help with your car accident claim.