WorkSafeBC Info Bulletin Physiotherapy using an abilities-focused language, updated report templates, and reference manual

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Attention: Physiotherapy providers


Using an abilities-focused language, updated report templates, and reference manual
Abilities language


Over the past months, we’ve shared several communications regarding the shift that WorkSafeBC is making toward the use of abilities-focused language. In keeping with this language shift,
Physiotherapy providers are being asked to use updated program report templates effective July 4, 2023. The templates will be available for download on our website today.


The report templates that have been updated for the Physiotherapy program include:


• Treatment/Post-Surgical Initial Report (Form 83D555)
• Physiotherapy Extension Request Report (Form 83D219)
• Physiotherapy Requested Report (Form 83D332)
• Physiotherapy Discharge/Interrupt Report (Form 83D558)


Notably, we have replaced the phrase “factors delaying recovery” with “Recovery and RTW factors. ” When you see the term “Recovery and RTW factors,” you are asked to not only focus on
the factors that pose challenges to the worker’s recovery and return to work, but also to include information regarding facilitators to support their recovery and return to work.


You may view a webinar on Putting Abilities Language into Practice here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgelkAilnFE

Updated reference manual


We are happy to share with Physiotherapy providers an updated reference manual. The manual includes examples of how to word a worker’s function with a focus on their abilities.
Embedded in the reference manual you will also find copies of the updated report templates, with guidelines on how to complete them for the Physiotherapy program. These can be found in
Appendix C.

You will note that we’ve updated the format of the reference manual, making it more user-friendly. While much of the information within the document remains the same, we ask that you

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pay particular attention to changes related to the shift to abilities language. Please refer to Appendix D for information on restrictions and considerations.

Next steps


We ask that Physiotherapy providers review the updated reference manual, familiarize themselves with the updated report templates, and begin using the new templates as of July 4, 2023.
Providers are asked to ensure their communication with all involved stakeholders is abilities focused. This will serve to support the worker, employer, and WorkSafeBC officer to best move
forward toward recovery and return to work. We appreciate your efforts to remain up to date on the information we have provided. Thank you for your continued support in the treatment of our injured workers. Should you have any questions, please reach out to the Health Care Programs team supporting the Physiotherapy program.

Contact us:
Lara Mazur
Quality Assurance Supervisor
Health Care Services
604.214.5449
1.866.244.6404 press 2
Lara.Mazur@worksafebc.com

Linda Calvert
Program Manager
Health Care Services
604.231.8522
1.866.244.6404 press 2
Linda.Calvert@worksafebc.com

For Payment Status, Inquiries, and Issues Check out our online View Payment Invoice Status service. If you are a My Provider Services user, log in for a more robust online Invoice Status and History service.


WorkSafeBC Payment Services
604.276.3085 extension 2
1.888.422.2228 (toll-free)

Is everyone who needs this information receiving it? To add additional team members, change a recipient email address, or be removed from the Information Bulletins distribution list for your program, please email hcsinqu@worksafebc.com.

For more information about other healthcare programs at WorkSafeBC, visit us online at: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/health-care-providers