Virtual Care FAQ
What sites do you recommend for getting the most up to date information on Virtual Care best practices?
Does your job site have any students?
Forums
I'm wondering if you are currently taking students at your job site and if so, how have you managed with all the changes in practice delivery? Are you finding that patients and families are accepting of having students involved in their care at this time?
Is it ethical to disclose confidential client information when client consent has been revoked (or never given)?
The College confirmed the Health Professions Act, Part 5, Section 53 “Confidential Information” and the Bylaws of the College of Physical Therapists of BC, Part V, Section 55, “Code of Ethics”, subsection 1.5 states information shall be given where required by law.
Answer provided by ICBC:
My client cannot afford to pay the surcharge. What options do they have?
There are several options available including:
Why is my client not receiving reimbursement from ICBC for the surcharge charged by physiotherapy clinics?
The surcharge is not covered under Part 7 Accident Benefits in the Insurance (Vehicle) Regulation. Patients will not be reimbursed by ICBC should the therapy session rate be above the rate set out in Part 7. Patients are encouraged to claim the balance of their therapy fees not paid for by ICBC through their extended health plans.
Who can authorize billing for physiotherapy services (reports, treatments, phone calls)?
Effective April 1st, 2019: Customers who have coverage through ICBC can begin treatment immediately after they report their claim to ICBC. Customers need only provide their therapist with their ICBC claim number to begin their 25 pre-approved treatments.
Is a doctor’s referral necessary for extensions of physiotherapy benefits beyond the authorized number of treatments?
The adjuster has the discretion to request a doctor’s referral or authorize further benefits without one.
Is an initial doctor’s referral necessary?
No, a doctor’s referral is not required to initiate physiotherapy treatment. The adjuster may have the discretion to request one.
Part 7 Benefits - What are they and how do they affect my client and me?
Part 7 refers to the Insurance (Vehicle) Act and this is the "no-fault" component of ICBC benefits. It provides wage loss, medical and rehab benefits.