The protocols require automobile insurance companies to adopt processes that allow accident victims to seek treatment immediately, from a practitioner of their choice, without advance approval from the insurance company.
Government is making it easier for people who have been injured in an automobile accident to get on the path to recovery, without having to pay for health care services out of pocket. New diagnostic and treatment protocols under the Automobile Insurance Act will allow accident victims to get quicker and more affordable treatment, specific to the most common types of injuries resulting from an automobile accident: sprains, strains and whiplash associated disorders. The protocols require automobile insurance companies to adopt processes that allow accident victims to seek treatment immediately, from a practitioner of their choice, without advance approval from the insurance company. Health care practitioners who choose to provide services under the new protocols will bill the insurance company directly for their services. This will eliminate the need for the accident victim to pay up front and wait for reimbursement from the insurance company. The new protocols will come into effect on December 2nd.