Going in for your first accident doctor visit? Here are the questions worth asking and what to bring.
Most people walk into their first visit with an accident doctor without a single question. They’re sore, they’re tired, and they just want someone to tell them what’s wrong. Then they get home and think of five things they meant to ask.
A few minutes of prep fixes that.
The short answer
Write your questions down before you go. A first visit with an accident doctor moves fast, and it’s easy to forget things when you’re in pain. Bring the list, and don’t be shy about reading from it.
Questions worth asking
- Do you treat car accident injuries? Not every clinic does, and it’s fine to check.
- What will today’s visit involve, and how long will it take? You’ll know whether to plan for an hour or most of the afternoon.
- What do you think is going on, and what happens next? Ask for plain words, not jargon.
- Will I need imaging or a specialist? The clinician decides, but you can ask why.
- How does payment work? Ask before treatment starts, and get the answer in plain words.
- Can I get a copy of my records? You may need them later.
- What symptoms mean I should call you or go to the ER? Get this one specifically.
What to bring
- Photo ID
- Your insurance card, if you have one
- Any paperwork from the crash
- Notes on your symptoms and the day each one started
Good to know
Be specific. “My lower back hurts when I sit for more than twenty minutes” tells a clinician far more than “my back is bad.” And if something hurts during the exam, say so.
If you have severe pain, confusion, repeated vomiting, numbness or weakness, trouble breathing or chest pain, don’t wait for an appointment. Call 911. Haven’t been seen yet? Read Should You See a Doctor After a Car Accident?
Find a car accident doctor in Atlanta with Doctor Crash
Doctor Crash helps people hurt in car accidents find a participating doctor in metro Atlanta and across Georgia. Search by city or ZIP code on our Find a Doctor page, or call and we’ll point you to a clinic near you. The clinicians you see make all medical decisions.
Ready for the next step? Use the Schedule the Appointment button on this page or call 912-DR-CRASH.
This article is for general information only and is not medical or legal advice. Always follow the guidance of a licensed provider who has examined you. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.
