Have an ICBC claim following a car accident and wondering what to do next?
Read below for helpful answers to common questions asked by our ICBC patients seeking physiotherapy.
As long as you have an active ICBC claim, you are automatically pre-authorized for 25 physiotherapy treatments within 12 weeks from the date of your accident. We are part of ICBC’s Recovery Network and can direct bill ICBC for the services we provide. In most cases, you should begin physiotherapy as soon as possible. Physiotherapy can address your symptoms and help you to return to your activities sooner.
You can book an initial physiotherapy appointment online, or phone us at 604-568-1337 to book. Have your ICBC claim number, the date of the accident, and claim adjuster’s name and contact number ready to share with us. We have three physiotherapists on our team with extensive experience helping patients recover from car accidents.
Your initial physiotherapy assessment and treatment is a 45-minute appointment which is fully covered by ICBC. For subsequent or follow-up physiotherapy treatments, patients pay a $5 user fee, as ICBC partly covers the cost of follow-up visits at our clinic. Follow-up appointments are 30 minutes in length. All our treatment fees are listed here.
Whiplash-associated injuries are common after a car accident. You may be experiencing any of the following: neck and back pain, muscle spasms, stiffness limiting your movement, tension headaches, dizziness, disturbed sleep and have trouble tolerating regular activities such as sitting, standing and walking.
Physiotherapy helps you by:
– managing pain, through hands-on treatment, use of modalities such as therapeutic ultrasound, and/or use of dry needling and acupuncture
– restoring your range of motion and flexibility
– teaching you a customized exercise program to improve strength and endurance
– teaching you how to improve postural alignment and core stability
– educate you on how and when to return to active living, exercise and/or work, and
– educate you on how to manage symptoms at home and to prevent their recurrence.
Try to maintain your normal activities (work, social and recreational activities) as best as you can and as soon as you can. You may need to modify how you do things because of the pain and stiffness you are experiencing. For example, adjust your posture frequently, and pace your activities to minimize the strain you fee. People who gradually resume their normal activities tend to recover quicker. Commit to doing the exercises your physiotherapy prescribes.
If you are struggling with your symptoms after 12 weeks and need more treatment to support your recovery, your physiotherapist will submit a treatment plan and request an extension to your ICBC claim adjuster for his or her consideration.
ICBC will need to give approval if you wish to begin treatment after 12 weeks has passed since your date of injury. The clinic will contact your ICBC claim adjuster to confirm coverage. You have the option to begin treatment by paying privately first, and get a refund from the clinic later if your coverage is confirmed.