Treating Injuries

Although most physicians will turn away injury cases,
Dr. A. Bhaiji actually welcomes them. His comprehensive injury care plan is putting patients on the fast track to recovery—without the insurance worries.

By: Mimi Vanderhaven
Date: 01/05/2010
As an Internal Medicine specialist, Dr. A. Bhaiji (pronounced Bye-Gee) thought he had access to every available form of advanced care, until his sister was injured in a car accident.

“She was injured and even I couldn’t find a doctor who would treat her,” he recalls. “I was flabbergasted.”

The problem, he explains, is that most physicians won’t take injury cases because in addition to the often complex patient treatment plans required, there is also a tremendous amount of paperwork involved and there can be difficulties with insurance companies.

“Most doctors will turn injury cases away, leaving patients struggling to find a caregiver who will help them get well again,” Dr. Bhaiji laments. “Some patients even resort to lying about their injuries just so they can be seen.”

His sister’s accident, he says, represented a career turning point.

“I decided to turn some of my energies toward treating injury cases,” Dr. Bhaiji says.
Last June, he moved the offices once occupied by his father and partner for 10 years—notable cardiology and Internal Medicine specialist Dr. K.C. Bhaiji.

The practice is located in one of the main buildings of Southwest General Hospital. Dr. Bhaiji has privileges at both Southwest and Parma Community General Hospital.

When a car accident happens, most people follow the same series of steps. They fill out a police report and then, if needed, head to the nearest emergency room for treatment.

It’s a series of events, he says, that set the stage for scams and struggles.

“Ten days after you fill out a police report for an accident, your mailbox will be filled with solicitations from lawyers and other treatment providers. Your phone might even start ringing off the hook with people who claim to represent your insurance company. They don’t,” he says. “You really have to be careful. Make sure you’re going to the right professional. If treated improperly, some injuries can become permanent.”

“I’m here to be an advocate for the patient and provide him or her with a full spectrum of treatment options,” he continues. “I can’t tell you how many people say to me, ‘I wish I would have known about you’—after they’ve been treated elsewhere for an injury.”

If you are in an accident, Dr. Bhaiji recommends that you follow these steps:

File a police report.

Visit the emergency room if needed.

Schedule a follow-up appointment with his office the next day.

“We can get you an appointment within 24-hours of your accident,” Dr. Bhaiji promises.
What happens from there depends upon the severity of your injuries.

Dr. Bhaiji offers a full spectrum of treatments, including physical therapy, pain management, psychotherapy, injury follow-up care, electrical stimulation, trigger point injections, ultrasound and, when you’re ready, a back-to-work assessment, if necessary.

“We’ll take care of all paperwork; we’ll work with your attorney if you have one; we’ll work with your insurance company or third-party provider; and we’ll work to get you well again,” he assures. “We never over-prescribe treatments. As a result, insurance companies take us seriously.”

Because of his relationship with Southwest General Hospital, Dr. Bhaiji also has access to the lab, radiology, and any other ancillary testing components.

“It’s a tremendous advantage for our patients,” he says. 
In addition to heading up one of the largest internal medicine practices in Northeast Ohio, Dr. Bhaiji also serves as the head of quality at Southwest General, and the medical director at Falling Waters, in Strongsville, and at Aristocrat Berea.

“I enjoy being a part of this community,” says the married father of three girls, Sabrina, age 15, Talia, age 12, and Taylor, age nine. His wife, Cristine, helps out in the office. “Many of my internal medicine patients were a part of my father’s practice. I think that says a lot about what we’re doing here.”

“Nobody wants to be in an accident,” he continues. “But if it happens, it’s good to know there is someone available to help you navigate the paperwork, and overcome your injury.”

The offices of Dr. A. Bhaiji are located at 7225 Old Oak Blvd., Building B, at Southwest General Hospital, in Middleburg Heights. Hours are by appointment. To schedule, call 440-816-2556. 

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