Don't delay medical care after an accident. Even if you feel fine, you could be seriously injured and have no pain or visible abrasions. Adrenaline is a great masker of pain and injury, and after an accident, your adrenaline is on high. Sometimes injuries don't show up for hours or days following an accident. Seeing a doctor could save your life or help you catch an injury before it gets worse. In this article, we'll talk about medical care after a car accident and discuss the best hospitals in Phoenix.
If you've been hurt in an accident, give our auto accident lawyers a call or send us a text at 602-345-1818. You may also fill out this convenient and secure online form. If you're in the hospital, we can come to you or conduct your free initial consultation and case review on a virtual Zoom call.
Emergency Rooms in Phoenix, AZ
Depending on your location and injuries, you may be transported by ambulance to the nearest emergency room or urgent care center. Otherwise, you may be able to drive yourself or be driven by a loved one to get medical care. Don't decide against an ambulance because of the cost. Remember, in Arizona, the at-fault party is responsible for the expenses incurred as a result of the accident. If you need an ambulance, take it.
Emergency rooms are open 24-7 and provide diagnostics lab tests and specialized care. In the ER, you will receive immediate care, whether you need lab tests, x-rays, MRIs, an extended hospital stay, etc. ERs can be extremely expensive, leaving you with large medical bills. Again, don't forego an ER visit because you fear the bill. If you need care, you should get it. The at-fault party will be responsible for the medical bills associated with your accident.
An alternative to the ER is an urgent care center. These centers are often less expensive options, and you don't need an appointment to see a doctor. If you are unable to see your primary care doctor or your accident happens after regular business hours, urgent care centers are a good choice.
Seeking Consistent Medical Care – Should You See Your Primary Care Doctor?
Another option for seeking medical attention after an accident is making an appointment with your primary care provider. Though, keep in mind that long waits for an appointment may not be conducive to your healing, especially if you need more immediate care. It's wise to err on the side of caution when making medical decisions post auto accident.
In terms of seeking continued medical care, if you have serious or chronic injuries, ensure that you are making doctor appointments and keeping up with them. Seeking medical care even after the first visit will facilitate better and potentially quicker healing and provide evidentiary support should you need it for your car accident claim.
Busiest Hospitals Near You
Sometimes it's difficult to know which hospital to go to after a car accident. With potentially higher wait times, questions around the quality of care, and general uncertainty, deciding which hospital to go to can be daunting. In this section, we'll discuss the busiest and best hospitals in Phoenix, AZ based on various forms of data, which we'll specify below. According to the Phoenix Business Journal, the top 5 largest area hospitals include:
- Banner - University Medical Center Phoenix -
- Dignity Health St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
- Banner Desert Medical Center
- Maricopa Integrated Health System
- Banner Thunderbird Medical Center
The data in the Phoenix Business Journal report analyzes hospital license patient bed count, the number of patient days (based on the latest fiscal year), physicians on staff, and total number of employees.
Best Hospitals – Post Car Accident Care
According to a 2021 report released by Newsweek, Arizona has three medical centers that made Newsweek's “World's Best Hospitals” list, including (in order from highest-ranking to lowest):
- Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix
- Banner University Medical Center in Tucson
- Dignity Health - Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
The news source specified the metrics by which they made the “Best Hospitals” determination as hospital recommendations from peers (which included 74,000 doctors, health care professionals, and hospital managers), patient experience surveys measuring satisfaction points, and various medical key performance indicators (patient safety, hygiene measures, and quality of treatment provided).
Our Car Accident Lawyers Will Come to Your Hospital Room
If you've been injured in a car accident and needed medical care, which resulted in medical bills and other costs, call or text our Phoenix car accident lawyers today at 602-345-1818. You can also fill out this online form, and we will reach out to you. We provide completely free initial consultations and case reviews – set yours up today. You're not alone in this, and you likely have legal options that may help you recover financially, physically, and emotionally. We're waiting to hear from you.