Answers to Your Physiotherapy Questions

Q: Do I need a doctor's referral?
A: Generally a doctor's referral is not needed to receive physiotherapy unless it is an ICBC or Worksafe injury. Many extended health companies also require a referral for their coverage.

Q. What is the cost of a physiotherapy treatment?

A: Currently physiotherapy treatments are not covered by MSP for most people. Generally the cost per treatment is $60.00 for the initial assessment and $50.00 for subsequent treatments. There may be additional charges for multiple injuries, acupuncture, taping, requested reports, and home equipment such as a theraband or TENS machine.

EXCEPTIONS:

a. Premium Assistance - for those on low income, 10 treatments (physio, massage, and chiropractor) per calendar year are subsidized, with an additional small user fee of $20.
b. RCMP, Worksafe BC, and some other Third Party Insurance companies provide a specific number of treatments/duration.
c. ICBC clients are covered but pay a $30 user fee.
d. DVA clients: Please contact our office for approval of treatments.

Two thirds of BC adults have extended health benefits through a group plan. These plans cover a varying percentage of the cost of treatment, with an annual ceiling amount. If both spouses have plans, they may be combined to provide greater coverage.

Q: What is the length of your appointment treatment?

A: Depending on the individual situation, the appointments are generally 1 - 1.5 hours. At Physionorth, your treatment will be based on a thorough assessment, and may include education, manual therapy including joint and soft tissue mobilization, pain relieving modalities, acupuncture, taping, and a personalized illustrated exercise program.

Q: What should I bring to the appointment?
A: There are several things we recommend bring to your appointment. These include:

• Doctor's referral if you have one.
• Care card, ICBC/WCB number, case manager's name as needed.
• Comfortable exercise apparel and shoes. You may want to bring a sleeveless top or shorts if you have a shoulder/lower extremity problem. Occasionally you may get damp from the modalities, so you may also want to bring some extra pants/shirt.
• Work/athletic shoes or orthotics if applicable.

Q: Will you send reports to my doctor?
A: Yes, we like to send a progress report when you are seeing your physician, so please inform your therapist a few days in advance if possible. Reports requested by lawyers, employers, and insurance companies, will also be provided as long as a Release of Information form is completed by the client.

Q: Where do I park?
A: Currently, you may park along the street (2 hour limit), in the parking lot on the north end of the building, or in the Day's Inn or Four Seasons pool parking lot.