Auto Accident Injury Treatment in Houston, TX

Choosing a chiropractor for auto accident injuries in Houston, Texas, requires careful attention to licensing, credentials, scope of practice, insurance, and local considerations. **Licensing** is mandatory in Texas: all chiropractors must be licensed by the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners (TBCE), which requires graduation from a Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE)-accredited program, passing the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Parts I–IV plus the physiotherapy exam, and at least 90 semester hours of college credits outside the DC program[1][2]. Texas does **not** have reciprocity with other states, so out-of-state practitioners must meet all Texas requirements, including passing the Texas jurisprudence exam[1][2]. Always verify a chiropractor’s license status on the TBCE website, ensure they have no disciplinary history, and ask for letters of good standing from any state where they’ve held a license[3].

**Credentials and Scope of Practice:** Beyond licensure, check for additional certifications, such as acupuncture (optional in Texas) or postgraduate training in auto injury care. Texas law strictly defines the chiropractic scope—chiropractors **cannot** prescribe drugs or perform surgery—but physiotherapy is included in the standard license[1][4]. Review Chapter 201 of the Texas Occupations Code and Title 22, Part Three of the Texas Administrative Code for a clear understanding of what Texas chiropractors can and cannot do[2][4]. **Insurance considerations** are particularly important in auto accident cases: Texas law allows chiropractic care under personal injury protection (PIP) and medical payment (MedPay) coverage. If you’re filing a claim through a liable party’s insurance, ensure the chiropractor is experienced in documenting injuries for third-party claims and can coordinate with your attorney if needed. Most practices accept private insurance, Medicare, and cash payments, but always verify coverage specifics before starting treatment.

**Average costs** for chiropractic care in Houston vary, but initial consultations typically range from $60–$120, and follow-up visits from $40–$80. Costs may be higher for accident-specific documentation or complex rehabilitation programs. **Questions to ask during consultation** include: What is your experience with auto accident cases? How do you document injuries for insurance and legal claims? What treatment techniques do you use, and what are the expected outcomes? What is your approach to working with other healthcare providers (e.g., MDs, physical therapists)? **Red flags** include pressure to sign blank insurance forms, guarantees of a specific settlement, refusal to discuss fees, or lack of clear documentation. For **Houston residents**, local factors include high traffic accident rates and a competitive healthcare market—seek clinics with strong reputations for auto injury care, and consider proximity for frequent visits. Always check the chiropractor’s responsiveness to communication, as timely documentation is crucial for auto injury claims in Texas.