At Wildewood Health, we are always happy to answer your questions. Here are the top 10 most frequently asked questions we get from you!
1. How do I access my Kinesiology and/or Athletic Therapy benefits?
Following a motor vehicle accident, your ICBC adjudicator will review the benefits that are available to you. At that time, we recommend you also visit your family doctor to determine the best method of care for your injuries.
Next, ICBC will work with you to access the services/recovery benefits you’ll need to get you back to your normal daily activities.
The typical route to access your kinesiologist or athletic therapy benefits are as follows:
✓ Report your claim to ICBC following your motor vehicle accident
✓ Book a visit with Wildewood Health for kinesiology and/or athletic therapy rehab sessions
✓ Active rehab specialist bills ICBC directly for the cost of treatment
✓ Active rehab specialist assesses your injuries and curates and personalized recovery plan to fit your needs
✓ Attend treatment follow up sessions and recover from your injuries quickly and conveniently
2. Can you seen multiple practitioners at once?
Absolutely!
In achieving the mutual goal of making you feel better and getting you back to your regular daily activities, most healthcare professionals prefer combining their knowledge to offer you the greatest benefits.
The Benefits of Seeing a Physiotherapist and Kinesiologist
It’s very common to see physiotherapists referring their patients to see a Kinesiologist once symptoms have lessened and they’ve been medically cleared to begin active rehabilitation.
Since a kinesiologist’s primary objective is to prevent injuries and create a customized training plan, this transition is a safe and effective way to achieve more versatile, well-rounded care.
The Benefits of Seeing a Physiotherapist and Athletic Therapist
Similarly, it’s also very common to find many physios and athletic therapists working together in creating a treatment plan for their patients.
Since physios are trained to address cardiovascular or neurological issues, their expertise are best used for these situations. On the other hand, athletic therapists focus solely on the musculoskeletal system to help detect and treat injuries.
Together, a physio and athletic therapist can collaborate in a unique way to treat their patients more holistically.
3. Does ICBC cover active therapy?
Yes!
Active rehabilitation services are 100% covered by ICBC no matter who is at fault in the accident. With ICBC’s Enhanced Accidents Benefits, the intention is to get you back to feeling your best as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Some of the most commonly used services include:
- Kinesiology (12+ sessions*)
- Athletic therapy (12+ sessions*)
- Physiotherapy
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic care
- Massage
*At Wildewood Health, we cover more sessions than most clinics to ensure our patients receive the utmost care for a smooth transition back to pain-free living.
For more information about these ICBC accident claims and services, check out our latest blog: Does ICBC Cover Kinesiology or Athletic Therapy? Surprising Benefits You May Not Know About
4. How long is your claim open for?
In British Columbia, an ICBC collision claim must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. For example, if your accident took place on April 1, 2022, you will have until March 31, 2023 to file your claim and receive the appropriate benefits for this claim.
5. Can you go back to your claim if you stopped services for a few months?
Yes!
So long as you’re within your first 2 years from the time you’ve had your accident to the time you’ve submitted your claim, you continue to have the right to access your benefits.
Keep in mind that the earlier you receive active rehabilitation (following the guidance of your medical doctor), the more likely you’ll be to return to your daily activities sooner.
6. Can you retain a lawyer following a car accident?
As of May 1, 2021, drivers are no longer eligible to retain a lawyer following a motor vehicle accident.
While the implementation of the new care-based insurance model has lowered the price for B.C insurance in addition to offering better access to recovery benefits, enhanced vehicle damage coverage, hit and run statutory coverage and basic third party liability coverage, drivers will lose access to legal representation after this date.
7. What is the difference between kinesiology and physiotherapy?
Although both of these active therapy specialists share similar qualities in working with the human body, addressing injuries and helping you return to your everyday activities, they differ in plenty of ways!
On one hand, a Kinesiologist is a human movement specialist who is highly trained in accessing the root cause of pain, offering early detection and correction of muscle imbalances, improving muscle strength, and reducing pain during rest and movement.
Kinesiologists deal with the following:
- Health promotion
- Sports psychology
- Sports fitness
- Ergonomics
- Health and safety training modalities
- Clinical rehabilitation
- Disability management
On the other hand, a physiotherapist is specialized in helping patients develop and restore their functional ability. Physios use a selection of manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercises, and technological equipment to target and manage symptoms.
Physiotherapists deal with the following:
- Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation
- Neurological physical therapy
- Geriatric physical therapy
- Pediatric physical therapy
- Integumentary treatment of skin
Find out why you should see a Kinesiologist after a motor vehicle accident (covered by ICBC insurance).
8. What is the difference between athletic therapy and physiotherapy?
The primary difference between an athletic therapist and a physiotherapist is their scope of practice. Although they both are experienced in addressing similar medical ailments including musculoskeletal injury recovery and prevention, muscle or joint pain, and mobility issues, there are some key differences between the two specialists.
On one hand, athletic therapists focus exclusively on the musculoskeletal system including detection and management of injuries as well as prevention modalities. On the other hand, physios have a wider scope of practice including cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurological rehabilitation.
Keep in mind that although athletic therapists do deal with athletes, they also cater to non-athlete patients to offer a beneficial treatment and recovery plan.
Find out why you should see an Athletic Therapist after a motor vehicle accident (covered by ICBC insurance).
9. Do you accept direct billing?
Yes!
We accept all direct billing from ICBC so that you can focus on what’s important… your recovery.
10. Do cyclists and pedestrians receive benefits for active therapy?
Yes!
No matter if you’re involved in a single vehicle accident, walking along a crosswalk, or riding your bike down the road, you’re eligible to receive benefits for active therapy with the ICBC Enhanced Care Plan.
We want to hear from you! Drop us a question in the comments and we will answer them shortly!
