You can start to sense when a relationship has run its course. Maybe your appointments are feeling rushed. Maybe you aren’t feeling heard or understood, or maybe you no longer feel comfortable with the approach and the care that you are receiving. Switching treatment providers, doctors or personal injury lawyers during your recovery is not easy and it may feel like you are taking a plunge into the unknown. Starting anew with someone who doesn’t know your back story of all of your injuries sustained in your motor vehicle crash can be overwhelming and you may feel very reluctant but sometimes it is absolutely necessary.
The Break Up
I’ve experienced it first hand during my recovery and it wasn’t my choice. Surprisingly, my family doctor for over 25 years decided that I was no longer a patient of hers. There was never a discussion, I didn’t receive a letter or a phone call to inform me of the break up and I never understood why it was only when I tried to book an appointment several months into my recovery that I was given this unsettling news. I was informed that I was no longer a patient on her roster because I did not reside in her geographical area (for the record I was only an hour drive away) and I was left stunned. I felt it was more loss being added to my never-ending journey of loss in my recovery. I felt ghosted at first and felt she had let me down because I didn’t even have a chance to say goodbye. But eventually over time, I rolled up my sleeves and understood what needed to be done and never looked back. In that moment, I understood that my recovery came first and it was time to find someone else to manage my care and although it was not easy, I lucked out!
It’s About Finding the Perfect Fit
We must always understand that recovering becomes a full-time for many and when you don’t feel like you’re receiving proper care or service that you can trust wholeheartedly, you don’t owe them an explanation. It’s not about hurting feelings or egos; it’s about finding the perfect fit for you and your medical or legal needs. You want a rehabilitation team that genuinely cares about your health and overall well-being. After everything that you have been through… you deserve it!
Rapport is Important
How on earth do you start to look for a new team member to help you with your recovery? Well I will say this. You will know when you find them. There’s a rapport that’s there that’s hard to put into words. When you realize your life is in shambles full of numerous challenges, they steer the ship and you can count on them to bring you to safety. You are extremely distraught, frustrated and in pain since the crash and you don’t feel uncomfortable bringing up concerns. You feel as though you’re a partner in your care rather than a subordinate and you want someone who doesn’t see your questions or concerns as a threat, but rather applauds you for your efforts and interest. You don’t want the cookie cutter approach for your injuries, you want someone who sees the gray area and addresses what else can be done to improve your quality of life.
When seeking new legal representation, make sure you are aware of what’s involved and make sure it’s a smooth transfer of your case file. This may include providing authorization for the release of documents and information. When seeking a new treatment provider, make sure to request that your medical records be transferred from your current provider to the new provider. This ensures continuity of care and allows the new provider to have a complete understanding of your medical history. If your treatments are being covered through an insurance company with your claim, don’t to be afraid of switching providers. Make sure you tell your personal injury lawyer as they may be able to help with your transfer of medical files and ensure it’s a smooth transition.
You Will Know When They Are a Perfect Match
When it’s time to make a move and start fresh, be as prepared as possible. Have your new appointment lined up. Try your best to be strategic and transparent. In your heart of hearts, you’ll know when someone is a good match and you must not settle for anything less. Adjusting to a new provider can take time, so be patient with yourself. It often involves a range of emotions including anger and relief.
Choose a treatment provider who you trust and feel comfortable with, and who can help you achieve the best possible outcome. Eventually, with patience and self-care, you’ll be able to move forward and find comfort again.
S. Dawne McKay is a survivor of a horrific crash that changed her life forever. Dawne shares her personal journey as a Crash Survivor Blogger and also collaborates with crash survivors as Guest Bloggers allowing them an opportunity to share their stories. Dawne is also the author of the book, “Talk Crash to Me – What to Expect After Surviving a Collision and How to Manage Your Recovery” which is available for purchase on Amazon.
The Crash Support Network is a unique one-of-a-kind website consisting of an online support group, a crash survivor blog, a quarterly newsletter, “Sharing Our Recovery” as well as highly informative articles. Our website is based on relationship-building and puts the needs of survivors first by creating a helpful resource for victims and survivors of motor vehicle crashes.
