Frequently Asked Questions

Billing

How much does it cost?

The fees charged for assessment and treatment at Kamloops Physiotherapy and Sports Injury vary depending on a number of factors including:

  • Which practitioner you see
  • The length of the appointment
  • Whether any portion of the visit can be billed to ICBC, MSP, Worksafe BC, DVA etc.

For our present fee schedule click here.

Do you direct bill extended medical plans?

Yes! We are now able to direct-bill some extended health benefit plans. If you have Pacific Blue Cross, Manulife, Desjardins or Canada Life as your extended health benefits provider, we may be able to direct-bill them for your full visit fee or a portion of the cost.  Please ask our receptionist if we are able to direct-bill your extended health plan when you call to book your appointment.

If you do not have one of these as your Insurer, you will need to pay the full fee at the time of your visit and we will provide you with a receipt that you can submit to your extended medical plan for reimbursement.

I was hurt in a motor vehicle collision, can you bill ICBC for my visits?

Yes. If you have a claim number and accepted claim with ICBC, we can direct bill for a portion of the fee for your visit. There is an additional visit charge for each visit that you are required to pay to make up the remainder of the fee that ICBC does not cover. You will be given a receipt for this visit charge. You may be able to submit this to your extended medical plan and/or ICBC for re-imbursement. If your motor vehicle collision occurred outside of BC and insurance providers other than ICBC are involved you may be required to pay the full private fee. Please discuss this with our reception staff. For our present fee schedule including ICBC visit charge click here.

I hurt myself at work, can you bill WorkSafeBC for my visits?

Yes, Kamloops Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre  is part of the WorkSafeBC Provider Network. We are able to bill WorkSafeBC for physiotherapy assessment and treatment for those people with an approved WorkSafeBC claim for injuries sustained while working. Once a claim has been accepted by WorkSafeBC for physiotherapy, there will be no charge to the patient for any approved visits. An initial assessment is automatically approved by WorkSafeBC for workers within 60 days from the date of injury for those that have a claim number. The physiotherapists at Kamloops Physiotherapy are required to contact the employer of an injured worker to discuss specific job demands and return to work options such as modified hours and/or modified duties as appropriate.  You will be asked to give written consent for your physiotherapist to contact your employer at the time of your initial assessment. Please visit this website to find out how to report a workplace injury.:https://www.worksafebc.com/en/claims/report-workplace-injury-illness/how-workers-report-workplace-injury-illness

Is there an extra charge for IMS or Acupuncture?
No, there is no extra charge. Dry Needling/IMS or acupuncture is used as a treatment tool within a standard physiotherapy visit if deemed appropriate by your physiotherapist. It will often be combined with other treatments including exercise, manual therapy and education. When performed by a physiotherapist, acupuncture is still considered physiotherapy. Acupuncture performed by a physiotherapist can be claimed under Physiotherapy benefits with your extended medical plan and with ICBC. It can not be claimed under Acupuncture benefits with your extended medical plan. Only registered acupuncturists can claim under Acupuncture with extended medical plans.

Clinic Guidelines

What happens if I can’t make it to my scheduled appointment?
Our clinic requires 24 hour or 1 full business day notice for all cancellations. If you miss your appointment or do not give us adequate notice of cancellation, you will be charged a fee for the missed appointment.
What do I need to bring to the first appointment?
  • Admission Form if you have filled it out in advance
    • Please arrive early to fill out admission form if not already completed
  • Your referral if you are referred by a doctor
  • Your claim number if the problem is related to a motor vehicle collision (ICBC) or workplace injury (Worksafe BC)
  • Your Care Card
  • Any specialist reports, imaging reports (e.g. X-ray or MRI etc)
  • List of your medication
  • Any footwear that may contribute to your symptoms (e.g. running shoes, work boots, orthotics)
  • Stretchy shorts that don’t cover your knees if your problem is in your lower back or legs (we have some you can borrow if you forget)
  • Spaghetti strap tank top for women (most important for clients with pain in the shoulders, neck or mid back)
What happens during the first appointment?
Your therapist will spend approximately 45 minutes with you to assess your problem. Please allow at least one hour for the appointment. Questions will be asked about your problem and your medical and social history. You will be able to relate the story of how your problem began and how it has impacted your life. It can be helpful to jot down a few notes about your condition before you come to the appointment so that you don’t forget to tell the therapist something that may be important. After discussing your problem, the therapist will do a physical assessment that will include tests for the joints, muscles, nerves and the way that you move to determine a physical therapy diagnosis. Your therapist will discuss the assessment findings with you and set up an appropriate treatment plan. If time permits, treatment will be started on the same day, but if your problem involves multiple areas of the body or is complex or chronic in nature it may be necessary to spend the whole first visit on assessment and commence treatment on the next visit.
How long are follow up visits?
Follow up visits for most orthopedic complaints will be 30 minutes in duration, however sometimes your therapist may recommend longer appointments if your problem is complex. Your appointment time is generally one on one with your therapist.
What types of treatment will be used during a visit?
Your session may involve any of the treatment modalities we offer such as manual therapy, education, exercise, acupuncture/dry needling and/or therapeutic modalities. The treatment that is best for you will be determined by your assessment findings and preferences. If you are not comfortable with the treatment plan that your therapist lays out for you, please advise your therapist so that he/she can collaborate with you to determine an alternative plan. You can withdraw consent from any treatment that your therapist proposes at any time if you change your mind.