ICBC Physiotherapy Coverage: Your Guide To Getting 25 Pre-Approved Physiotherapy Sessions After An Accident

A car crash can be a scary experience. If you’ve been in a car accident, you know all too well the physical and emotional toll it can take on your body. In addition to the initial shock and distress, you may also experience physical pain, discomfort, and restricted movement that can hamper your recovery and make it difficult for you to get back to your normal routine.

Many injuries require physiotherapy, which is an effective solution for managing pain and discomfort, improving range of motion, overcoming injuries and ongoing mobility issues, and getting back to your normal routine. Fortunately, ICBC provides automatic coverage through ICBC Enhanced Care so you don’t have to worry about the cost of your treatment.

What Is ICBC Enhanced Care?

ICBC Enhanced Care is a new way of doing auto insurance in B.C. that came into effect on May 1, 2021. Compared to the old system, some of the key changes under Enhanced Care include:

–       More affordable insurance for customers

–       Access to improved care and recovery benefits if you’re injured in a crash, for as long as you need them, no matter who is responsible

–       Benefits for B.C. drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians who are injured in a crash with a vehicle anywhere in Canada or the U.S.

–       Income replacement benefits (90% of your net income)​ if you’re unable to work, with optional income top-up coverage if you earn more than $105,500 per year​

–       Access to new and expanded benefits to anyone with a permanent or life-altering injury due to a crash ​​​​​

Here’s a brief overview comparing the old system with the Enhanced Care system:

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What Are ICBC Enhanced Accident Benefits for Physiotherapy?

ICBC’s Enhanced Accident Benefits are included in Basic insurance and are available for all B.C. residents injured in a crash, no matter who’s at fault for the accident. If you’re injured in a crash, Enhanced Accident Benefits from your own policy (first party coverage) will pay for medical care and treatments to support your recovery.

ICBC’s Enhanced Accident Benefits program covers the cost of 25 physiotherapy sessions in the first 12 weeks after your crash. That means you’re immediately pre-approved for treatment, you don’t need to wait for a support and recovery specialist to contact you, and you don’t need a doctor’s referral.

All you need is an ICBC claim number and you can start booking your appointments right away.

The typical care and treatment process

Once you report the crash to ICBC, you’ll receive a claim number. After you obtain the claim number, you can see a physiotherapist of your choice.

Most health care practitioners will bill ICBC directly so you won’t have to pay out of pocket to begin receiving care. However, in the event that your chosen practitioner doesn’t directly bill ICBC, you will need to submit your receipts for reimbursement.

Below is an illustration of the typical treatment process after an accident:

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Here’s What ICBC Will Pay For Your Physiotherapy Treatments

ICBC is the first payer for physiotherapy, acupuncture, chiropractic, counselling, kinesiology, massage therapy, and psychology treatments. According to ICBC’s Enhanced Care fee guide, the number of approved treatments and the amount covered by ICBC will depend on the type of practitioner you need to see.

For physiotherapy, ICBC will provide coverage for a one-time initial assessment visit for $133. After that, they’ll cover the cost of physiotherapy treatment sessions for the first 12 weeks after your crash. The standard treatment fee covered for each session is $84 per visit. ICBC customers who choose to visit a health care provider that charges a higher physiotherapy rate than what ICBC funds will not be able to recover the user fees from ICBC.

Below are the number of approved treatments for each type of practitioner and the corresponding fees that are covered, including ICBC’s physiotherapy fee schedule:

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It’s important to note that pre-authorized treatments are limited to one treatment modality type per day, but there is no restriction to the combination of pre-authorized treatments. For example, a patient may attend a physiotherapy treatment and a massage treatment, but not two physiotherapy treatments on the same day.

What To Know Before Booking Your First Physiotherapy Appointment

What is covered under ICBC’s Enhanced Accident Benefits program for physiotherapy?

If you’ve been in a crash, ICBC’s Enhanced Accident Benefits provides coverage for your initial assessment visit and the cost of your first 25 physiotherapy treatment sessions in the first 12 weeks after your crash. It is designed to help individuals recover from injuries sustained in the crash and return to their normal routine as soon as possible.

Who is eligible for ICBC physiotherapy coverage?

All B.C. drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians who are injured in a crash with a vehicle anywhere in Canada or the U.S. are eligible for ICBC physiotherapy coverage.

Can you choose any physiotherapy clinic for your sessions?

Yes, you can see any physiotherapist of your choice. However, you may want to check with your clinic before starting your treatment sessions to confirm that they will bill ICBC directly. If they don’t directly bill ICBC, you may need to submit receipts to get reimbursed.

Do you need a referral from a physician to access ICBC physiotherapy coverage?

No, you do not need a referral from a physician in order to access physiotherapy coverage under ICBC. You also do not need to be contacted by an ICBC-appointed support and recovery specialist either.

Is there a limit for ICBC physiotherapy coverage?

ICBC will cover the cost of your first 25 physiotherapy treatment sessions in the first 12 weeks after your crash. However, ICBC staff will work with you, your doctor, and your health care providers to help you access the services and recovery benefits you need for as long as you need them. If you’re injured, your ICBC representative will explain the benefits that are available to you.

What if you need long-term physiotherapy after 12 weeks?

Yes, it is possible to continue receiving physiotherapy treatments after 12 weeks. Your health care practitioner may recommend additional treatment. ICBC may also offer a Comprehensive Medical Assessment (CMA) to help to assess your injuries and support your recovery. If you experience a life-altering injury causing permanent and severe impairment impacting daily life, some additional benefits may be available through ICBC.

Will you have to pay anything out of pocket for your physiotherapy sessions?

No, ICBC physiotherapy coverage includes 25 fully-covered sessions, which means you will not have to pay anything out of pocket for these sessions. However, if you choose to visit a health care provider that charges a higher rate than what ICBC funds, you will not be able to recover the fees from ICBC.

What is the ICBC physiotherapy initial report?

ICBC may request your medical records after an automobile accident. A physiotherapist will discuss with you the purpose of the reports and request your consent to share the reports with ICBC. However, by law, physiotherapists must provide these reports, even if you do not sign an authorization form.

ICBC’s physiotherapy initial report form can be found here (only required for patients whose crash occurred prior to May 1, 2021). ICBC’s Physiotherapy Progress Report can be found here (only completed upon request).

What Are The Benefits Of Seeing A Physiotherapist After Your Crash?

Seeing a physiotherapist after a crash can provide numerous benefits for your physical and mental well-being. Some of these benefits include:

Pain management

A physiotherapist can help to alleviate pain and discomfort caused by injuries sustained in the crash. They can also help to prevent chronic pain from developing.

Increased mobility and flexibility

Physiotherapy can help to improve your range of motion and flexibility, making it easier for you to perform daily activities.

Reduced inflammation

Physiotherapy can help to reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial for reducing pain and swelling.

Improved posture

Physiotherapy can help to improve your posture, which can help to prevent future injuries and reduce the risk of chronic pain.

Speedier recovery

Physiotherapy can help to speed up your recovery time, so you can return to your normal routine as soon as possible.

Better mental health

Physiotherapy can also help to improve your mental health by reducing stress and anxiety related to the accident.

Reduced risk of chronic pain

By addressing injuries and physical limitations, physiotherapy can help to reduce the risk of developing chronic pain in the future.

It is important to note that the benefits of physiotherapy vary depending on the injury, the stage of recovery, and the individual’s overall health condition. It is always a good idea to consult with a physiotherapist to understand the specific benefits that physiotherapy can offer for your specific case.

Book Your 25 ICBC Physiotherapy Sessions with Latitude Wellness in Vancouver Today

If you’re injured in an accident, the sooner you begin your physiotherapy treatment, the sooner you’ll be able to get back to your normal daily routine.

At Latitude Wellness, we offer physiotherapy treatment without any upfront cost because we directly bill ICBC for your first 25 physiotherapy sessions. Not only will you receive the best care and guidance, but our team will also work with you to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits from your ICBC physiotherapy coverage.

When you visit our office in Downtown Vancouver, we’ll conduct a thorough assessment to diagnose the underlying issues and create a physiotherapy treatment plan that makes sense for you and your health concerns. With a patient-centered approach, our physiotherapists use evidence-informed knowledge of rehabilitation sciences, anatomy, kinesiology, and physiology to assess, treat, and manage pain, injuries, movement dysfunction, and chronic conditions.

At Lattitude Wellness, we are committed to lifelong learning and excellence. Our goal is to form a collaborative partnership with you and find ways to help you thrive.

If you’ve been in an accident and require physiotherapy treatment in Vancouver, or if you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact us here or book an appointment below.