ICBC

In the last two articles, I discussed the types of claims and coverage available and some aspects of injury claims management from a medical perspective. Generally, medical information is obtained from the treating practitioner; however, there are situations where an independent medical examination may be requested and obtained (at their own expense) by ICBC or by lawyers involved in the litigation of the claim.

In my September 2009 article (BCMJ 2009;51[7]:308) I discussed some aspects of injury claims, including:
• ICBC accident benefits available as part of the basic vehicle insurance regardless of who is at- fault for the accident.
• Settlements obtained by negotiation or litigation of the at-fault party under tort law.

This article will pursue the claims perspective a bit further.

In previous articles I have discussed some aspects of the medical management of injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents (MVAs). I plan to use the next few articles to discuss MVA-related injuries from an insurance perspective as it relates to injury claims.

Are you aware that medical visits for injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) are paid for by ICBC and not the Medical Services Plan of BC (MSP)? Ultimately, they are. Pur­suant to the Canada Health Act, the province is required to fund physicians’ fees. However, ICBC and the Ministry of Health have agreed that ICBC will reimburse MSP for services of medical practitioners that are required as a result of an ICBC claim. This agreement enables us to bill MSP directly through Teleplan, thereby facilitating the billing and remuneration process.

Earlier articles have discussed history and physical examination of the patient with whiplash-associated disorders. This article provides a brief overview of the role of imaging studies.