Medical Expenses Associated with Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are severe, and surviving such an injury usually results in a sudden change in lifestyle that requires much patience. If that weren’t enough, the cost of treatment can be noticeably high.
The Dana and Christopher Reeve Foundation report that treatment for a spinal cord injury in the first year can range from $300,000 to more than $1 million. Annual treatment costs are lower after the first year but still range from $42,000 to $200,000 depending on specific factors.
It’s essential for individuals who suffer such traumatic injuries to know what kinds of medical expenses to anticipate to help them plan for the associated costs.
Expenses for Treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries
Generally, there is no set cost for the treatment of spinal cord injuries; however, the more severe the injury, the more expensive the care. Recovering from a spinal cord injury typically involves the following medical treatments:
- Surgeries
- Emergency care
- Intensive care unit stays
- Medications
- Medical assessments
- Hospital Stays
- Rehabilitation centers
- Medication
- Physical, occupational, and exercise therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Equipment
- Home modifications
- Home health aides
- Continuing care
Insurance often covers a small portion for medical treatment. For the more complex treatments, however, many must come out-of-pocket to cover medical expenses.
What is Covered by Insurance?
A person’s health insurance policy determines what type of treatment will be covered. It’s wise for anyone with a severe spinal cord injury to ensure that their doctors are included in the list of preferred providers so that they can have a chance at getting treatment expenses covered.
Generally, the insurance company only covers things that are medically necessary, which means that alternative medicine will not be covered. Even if a doctor recommends such treatments, they may not be covered, which would require the individual to pay out of pocket.
Resources for Covering Additional Expenses
Anyone who struggles with these dangerous, debilitating injuries who find out their insurance company has denied their claim must take action and speak with an attorney. Under the Affordable Care Act, people have more rights than ever. If your insurance company denies you coverage, the best thing to do is contact a legal expert who can help you.
The Tucson personal injury lawyers at Karnas Law Firm have over 25 years of experience helping Arizona residents recover the finances they’re entitled to by law. We can take on the insurance company on your behalf and push to have all the necessary post-accident medical procedures covered. Contact us today at (520-) 571-9700 for a free case evaluation.