
Overview FAQs
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
We do recommend, however, that you communicate with your doctor about your participation in physiotherapy so that we can work together and share knowledge as required during your treatment.
Please also note that some health insurance plans require a doctor’s referral before they will reimburse you for physiotherapy expenses. Consult your insurance provider directly to learn whether a referral is needed in your specific case prior to commencing treatment.
What should I expect from my first appointment?
What should I wear for my appointment?
What is evidence-based treatment?
Is physiotherapy covered by BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP?)
I was injured at work, am I covered by WorkSafeBC?
After an injury you must:
- Report your injury to your employer.
- Seek medical attention for your injury as soon as possible. Be sure to tell your doctor that your injury is work-related.
- Report your injury to WorkSafeBC as soon as possible:
- If you miss any time from work, you must notify the Teleclaim Contact Centre (1-888-WORKERS).
- You may be asked by a representative to complete a Worker’s Incident and Injury Report
- or an application for Compensation and Report of Injury or Occupational Disease Form 6.
- If asked to do so, it is important that you do so and submit it as soon as possible.
- If you miss any time from work, you must notify the Teleclaim Contact Centre (1-888-WORKERS).
- Book your initial physiotherapy appointment, and notify the physiotherapy clinic that your injury is work related.
Coastal Physiotherapy has an approved contract with WorkSafeBC to treat Injured Workers.
Here is a link to the WorkSafeBC Intake Form we require you to fill out and bring with you to your first appointment at Coastal Physiotherapy.
I was injured in a motor vehicle accident (MVA), am I covered by ICBC?
No matter who is responsible, if you’ve been injured in a crash, you have access to pre-authorized (core) treatments, including Physiotherapy and Registered Massage Therapy. There is no need for an initial doctor’s referral if the accident is recent and/or you have not had any previous treatment.
At Coastal Physiotherapy, we direct bill ICBC on your behalf, provided you have an ICBC claim number.
ICBC has implemented a new Health Care Funding Model for accidents occurring after APRIL 1, 2019. For Physiotherapy, ICBC patients are pre-approved for 25 visits within a 12-week period from the date of their accident. For Registered Massage Therapy, ICBC patients are pre-approved for 12 visits within a 12-week period from the date of their accident.
Please visit the ICBC website for more information.
I am a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, Department of Veterans Affairs or RCMP, can you direct bill Medavie Blue Cross?
Yes, we are happy to directly bill Medavie Blue Cross on your behalf for members of DND & CAF, DVA or RCMP, so no payment is required from you. Please contact our office for more details.
I have private health insurance. Am I covered for physiotherapy?
Please see our Private Health Insurance section for further information.
Where are you located?
We’re in the store-front area of the Berwick retirement residence.