Why Post-Acute Providers Leave Auto Money on the Table

Post-acute providers in Michigan treat some of the most seriously injured auto accident patients in the state. Long-term acute care hospitals, rehab hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities often carry these patients for weeks or months. Yet many of these providers are never paid by the auto carrier at all.

After 30 years in this work, I see the same four gaps over and over.

1. Nobody flagged it as an auto claim

By the time a patient reaches post-acute care, the accident may be weeks old. The referral packet lists health insurance, and the auto connection gets lost. If no one asks how the injury happened, the claim goes to the wrong payer from day one.

2. The coverage was never confirmed

Knowing it was a car accident is not enough. The provider needs the carrier, the claim number, the adjuster, the date of loss, and the PIP coverage level. Without them, bills go out incomplete and sit unpaid.

3. Nobody followed up

Auto carriers ask for records, deny, request exams, and delay. Each step needs a response. Busy billing offices often work auto accounts the same way they work health insurance, and those accounts age out.

4. Benefits ran out and no one noticed

Under the 2019 reform, many policies now have limits. When benefits are exhausted, the provider needs to move quickly to the next payer. Missing that moment can mean months of unbillable care.

The fix starts at the front end

Every one of these gaps is easier to close early. Confirm auto coverage when the referral arrives. Record the claim details where billing can see them. Then track each auto account until it pays, with a set follow-up schedule.

That is the work MARS does for Michigan providers. We identify the coverage, confirm the benefits, and follow the account through to payment. Know who pays. Get paid.

If your organization treats auto accident patients and is not sure what it is recovering, contact Stacey Jewett at stacey.jewett@miautors.com or 248-846-8546.