No-Fault in New York Explained: What It Covers and Who Qualifies
- caulocare
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
By Dr. Phumlarp Caulo, Caulo Care Acupuncture — Forest Hills, New York (Nov 16, 2025)
If you live, work, or drive in Queens, you’ve probably heard the term “No-Fault Insurance” — especially after a car accident. But most people still feel confused about what it actually covers, who qualifies, and how to get treatment quickly without worrying about medical bills.
This guide breaks everything down clearly from both a Western medical and a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective—plus how acupuncture helps you recover faster from common auto-related injuries.
What Is No-Fault Insurance in New York?
New York is a No-Fault state, meaning:
✔️ Your own auto insurance pays your medical bills
No matter who caused the accident.
This system is designed to make sure you get treatment immediately without waiting for lawsuits or fault investigations.
✔️ You must receive care from a provider authorized to take No-Fault
Caulo Care Acupuncture in Forest Hills accepts No-Fault and handles all billing for you.
✔️ There is a strict timeline
You must file a No-Fault application (NF-2) within 30 days.
What Does No-Fault Cover in New York?
No-Fault insurance typically covers:
Medical Care
Emergency room
Chiropractic
Physical therapy
Acupuncture (fully covered)
Orthopedics
Imaging (MRI, CT, X-ray)
Pain management
Medications
Lost Wages
Up to a capped amount if you cannot return to work.
Transportation
Reimbursement for traveling to medical appointments.
Household Help
In some cases.
You never pay out-of-pocket for authorized care.
Who Qualifies for No-Fault in Queens, NY?
To qualify for No-Fault benefits, both must be true:
1. You were injured in a motor vehicle accident in New York
This includes:
Drivers
Passengers
Pedestrians
Cyclists
Delivery couriers
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) riders
MTA/Taxi passengers (specific rules apply)
2. The accident involved a “motor vehicle”
Cars, SUVs, taxis, buses, commercial vehicles, rideshare vehicles.
Motorcycles are an exception — they do not qualify under standard No-Fault.
Common Injuries After Car Accidents (Western + TCM Perspective)
Auto accidents create both structural damage (Western A&P) and energetic stagnation (TCM). Understanding both helps us treat the whole person.
1. Whiplash (Neck Strain)
Western A&P
Whiplash happens when the neck is suddenly forced into rapid flexion and extension, causing:
Muscle tears
Joint irritation
Nerve involvement
Swelling and inflammation
TCM Interpretation
Whiplash creates Qi and Blood stagnation along the:
Gallbladder meridian
Bladder meridian
Small Intestine meridian
Often accompanied by Liver Qi stagnation from shock and stress.
Care
Acupuncture reduces inflammation and muscle guarding
Cupping increases blood flow
Gentle, slow stretches
Heat therapy (after first 48 hours)
2. Lower Back Pain & Sciatica
Western
Caused by:
Soft tissue injury
Facet joint strain
Disc compression
Piriformis spasm
TCM
Lower back = Kidney system.Accidents often cause:
Kidney Qi deficiency
Stagnation along the UB meridian
Cold-Damp lodged in the lumbar area
Care
Acupuncture to relax spasms and improve circulation
Electroacupuncture for nerve symptoms
Moxibustion for Cold-Damp pain
Core rehabilitation
3. Shoulder & Upper Back Injuries
Western
Seatbelt tension often strains:
Rotator cuff
Trapezius
Rhomboid muscles
TCM
Stagnation in Lung, Large Intestine, and Gallbladder meridians.
Care
Acupuncture + cupping
Postural correction
Herbal liniments to move Qi/Blood
4. Headaches & Post-Concussive Symptoms
Western
Inflammation, tension, and nerve sensitivity after impact.
TCM
Liver Yang rising
Qi stagnation in the head
Blood deficiency affecting clarity
Care
Acupuncture to regulate circulation
Ear acupuncture for nervous system regulation
Breathing exercises
Hydration + electrolyte balance
Why Acupuncture Is One of the Most Effective No-Fault Treatments
Western Mechanisms
Research shows acupuncture:
Reduces inflammation
Activates endogenous opioids
Improves circulation
Calms the sympathetic nervous system
Relaxes spasming muscles
TCM Mechanisms
Acupuncture restores:
Qi flow through injured meridians
Blood circulation to damaged tissues
Balance after shock or trauma
Organ support, especially Liver (stress) & Kidney (low back)
Benefits for No-Fault Patients
Immediate pain relief
Fast recovery
Non-opioid pain management
Reduced chronic complications
Covered 100% by insurance
What You Need to Start No-Fault Treatment at Caulo Care (Queens, NY)
Bring the following (or text/email them to the clinic):
✔️ Claim Number (or Case Number)
✔️ Insurance Carrier Name
✔️ Date of Accident
✔️ Adjuster Contact (if available)
✔️ Prescription for Acupuncture (optional—not always required)
If you don’t have the claim number yet, we help you get it.
Step-by-Step: How No-Fault Treatment Works at Caulo Care
1. You schedule your first visit
Walk-in or text: “I was in a car accident.”
2. We verify your No-Fault coverage
We contact the insurance carrier for you.
3. We provide a full examination
Combining:
Orthopedic assessment
Range of motion testing
TCM diagnosis (Pulse, Tongue, Meridian exam)
4. You start acupuncture treatment immediately
No delays. No out-of-pocket costs.
5. We submit all paperwork and billing
You only focus on healing.
How to Prevent Long-Term Pain After an Accident
Western Recommendations
Start treatment early
Reduce inflammation naturally
Gentle mobility exercises
Avoid sitting too long
Strengthen the core and neck muscles
TCM Recommendations
Avoid cold/raw foods (worsens stagnation)
Use warm soups, ginger tea, and bone broth
Keep the neck and lower back warm
Do gentle Qi Gong or Tai Chi
Support the Liver (stress) and Kidney (lower back) systems
Why Choose Caulo Care Acupuncture in Forest Hills (Queens Edition)
We specialize in auto accident rehabilitation using:
Acupuncture
Electroacupuncture
Cupping
Moxibustion
Medical massage
Meridian-based pain relief
Functional assessment
Holistic healing
We handle everything from pain relief to insurance billing.
Final Thoughts from Dr. Phumlarp Caulo
No-Fault exists so you can receive care without fear, cost, or hesitation after an accident. Healing early prevents chronic pain later.
At Caulo Care Acupuncture, our mission is to help the Queens community recover faster using an integrative approach that blends modern medical understanding with Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Your healing is our priority — and we are here to help every step of the way.
This information is only educational and should not be construed as medical advice.
Everything must be balanced, and the suggestions may not apply to you.
A specialist doctor should be consulted for any medical advice or diagnosis.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW!
Acupuncture near me at Forest Hill, NY
🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷
Dr. Phumlarp Caulo LA,c, MAc. OM, DAHM
Doctor of Acupuncture/Chinese Medicine
Caulo Care Acupuncture
🔖 By appointment only
☎️+1 (929) 269-4549