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Can physiotherapists help with sport related injuries?
Do I need a doctor’s referral to book a physiotherapy appointment?
Is the cost of physiotherapy treatment covered by MSP?
What should I expect at my first appointment?
What is a Bike Fitting Service?
Q. Why should I see a physiotherapist?
A. If you have a physical problem or injury that causes you pain and/or restricts your normal movement, daily activities or sports participation then one of our specially trained physiotherapists will assess, diagnose and treat your condition or injury. All of our physiotherapists are able to offer a range of diverse treatment options which optimizes your treatment plan, helping you to get back to your regular activities more quickly and efficiently! Some of the most common physical problems or injuries that our physiotherapists see and treat are:
- Sporting injuries
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Knee pain
- Foot and heel pain
- Work related injuries
- Motor vehicle accident related injuries
| Q. Can physiotherapists help with sport related injuries? |
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A. Most definitely. Physiotherapists are hired by professional and amateur athletes and sports teams to plan, organize and direct programs of pre-season screening, first aid, rehabilitation, education and counseling for athletes, coaches and others concerned with sports. Physiotherapists may work directly with athletes or undertake a consulting role for sports organizations.
Our physiotherapists at both clinics have worked with both professional and amateur athletes and sports teams and continue to do so right here within the community. They are trained to develop conditioning and flexibility programs, possess expert taping skills including kinesio taping and have sport specific manual therapy skills. Fernie Physiotherapy currently provides physiotherapy services and education to a number of athletes/teams within the community including Non Stop Ski. If your team is interested in having a physiotherapist provide injury prevention, conditioning and flexibility programs, please contact us at 250-423-3423 and ask to speak with Dan McDonald.
| Q. Do I need a doctor’s referral to book a physiotherapy appointment? |
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A. No. Physiotherapists are a regulated, primary health care providers which means you do not need a referral to see a physiotherapist. Some health insurance policies require a doctor’s referral before reimbursement, please check your policy! Doctors refer more to physiotherapists than any other health profession.
| Q. Is the cost of physiotherapy treatment covered by MSP? |
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A. Physiotherapy treatment cost is only partially covered by MSP if you are eligible for MSP premium assistance. There is a user fee of $20.00 per visit to access this service and you receive up to 10 visits per year. Please note that these 10 visits are combined with other health care providers such as chiropractors and registered massage therapists, not 10 visits per provider.
A large portion of people in BC have private health coverage whether through themselves or an employer. Most of these policies include extended health benefits or paramedical benefits which include physiotherapy treatment. We are not able to directly bill your insurance company however we provide you with a receipt that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Please check with your insurer to find out what your coverage limit is and whether you need a doctor’s referral. Most insurance providers provide between 80% - 100% coverage of fees to an annual ceiling amount.
WCB claims approved for physiotherapy treatment are covered 100% by WCB whom we direct bill. ICBC directly covers a portion of an ICBC claimant’s fee and the other portion is covered by the patient however some patients are able to have their portion reimbursed by ICBC depending on their particular case. Please make our reception staff aware if your treatment will be covered by a WCB or ICBC claim.
| Q. What should I expect at my first appointment? |
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A. Please expect to be at the clinic for 45 minutes to 1 hour for your first appointment. This allows your physiotherapist to complete a full assessment and diagnosis of your problem, decide on an appropriate treatment plan and commence treatment. Please remember to bring your health card, doctor’s referral if you have one and appropriate clothing that would allow the physiotherapist to assess the area (eg. Knee problem, bring shorts). If you have any questions before your initial appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 250-423-3423 (Fernie) or 250-865-7111 (Elkford). |
