Short Answer

In North Carolina, document chiropractic expenses with itemized bills, treatment records that show why care was needed, and proof of what was actually paid and what remains due. State evidence rules limit proof of past medical expenses to amounts paid or still owed, not the full sticker price, so keep explanations of benefits (EOBs), receipts, and balance statements. Your attorney can collect certified records and bills; you should save your co-pay receipts and any proof of out-of-pocket payments.

Understanding the Problem

You want to know how, in North Carolina, you can document chiropractic costs so they count in a personal injury claim. You (the patient) need to show what care you received, why it was needed, and the amounts actually paid or still owed. The key trigger is your ongoing back and knee treatment with a chiropractor through private insurance.

Apply the Law

North Carolina lets injury claimants recover reasonable and necessary medical expenses, but the proof must match what the law allows: the amounts actually paid to satisfy the bills and any balances still owed. The main forum is North Carolina civil court if your claim is litigated; before suit, you will exchange documentation with the at-fault insurer. A core evidence rule limits medical-expense proof to paid and outstanding amounts, so you should keep EOBs, receipts, and updated provider ledgers. Your records also need to show medical necessity and a clear link between the treatment and your injuries.

Key Requirements

• Itemized chiropractic bills: Obtain statements with dates of service, CPT codes, and charges.
• Proof of amounts paid and owed: Save EOBs from your private insurer, receipts for co-pays/deductibles, and current balance statements from the provider.
• Treatment records showing necessity: Keep progress notes and care plans that tie visits to your back and knee injuries.
• Clear chain of records: Use certified records or a custodian affidavit if needed to authenticate in court.
• Consistent timeline: Track visit dates, avoid unexplained gaps, and make sure records match your injury timeline.
• Accurate totals: Confirm that write-offs and adjustments are shown so totals reflect what can be claimed.

What the Statutes Say

• North Carolina Rule of Evidence 414 (Medical expenses proof) – limits proof of past medical expenses to amounts paid or still owed.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 8-58.1 (Medical bills evidence) – allows itemized medical bills as evidence of reasonableness and necessity when properly supported.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 8-44.1 (Medical records as evidence) – permits authenticated medical records as business records.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-411 (Charges for medical records) – sets what providers may charge for copies of medical records.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: You are treating with a chiropractor for soft tissue back and knee injuries using private insurance. To meet the proof rules, collect itemized chiropractic bills, EOBs showing insurer payments and write-offs, and receipts for any co-pays or deductibles so the total reflects amounts paid and still owed. Ask the provider for treatment notes and care plans to show medical necessity. Your attorney can request certified records and updated account ledgers to use in a settlement demand.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: You or your attorney. Where: The chiropractor’s records/billing department. What: A HIPAA-compliant authorization and a written request for itemized bills, treatment notes, and a current patient ledger. When: Request early in treatment and update before any demand or filing.
2. Follow up within 2–4 weeks if needed. Pay reasonable copy fees under North Carolina law and confirm that records include EOBs, payments, adjustments, and balances.
3. Before settlement or suit, reconcile totals to reflect only amounts paid and still owed; package itemized bills, EOBs, receipts, and key treatment notes in your demand. If litigation is filed, use a custodian affidavit or subpoena for authentication.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• If you only submit the full “sticker price” bills, you risk excluding much of it; the law focuses on amounts actually paid and still owed.
• Gaps in treatment or missed appointments can undermine medical necessity; keep your schedule consistent or document any breaks.
• Unitemized balance statements are weak; ask for detailed CPT-coded bills and a running ledger showing payments and write-offs.
• Private insurance subrogation rights may apply; keep EOBs and plan notices so your attorney can address any reimbursement claims.
• Authentication matters in court; use certified records or a custodian affidavit to avoid hearsay objections.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you’re dealing with chiropractic bills after back and knee injuries and need to document them the right way, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Call us today at [919-341-7055].

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.