Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA) Insurance
All Albertans involved in a car accident/collision, regardless of who is at fault, are covered under Section B Medical Payments coverage of the Automobile Accident Insurance Benefits Regulation (AAIBR), and the Alberta Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols DTPR.
What should you do first after a vehicle collision in Calgary?
Car accidents are a leading cause of death and injury in Alberta and can cause serious injuries, including whiplash, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, broken bones, and internal bleeding. If you are experiencing any severe symptoms head to the nearest Emergency Department.
Injuries may also be minor, and you may notice some aches and pains after the initial shock of the collision wears off but symptoms can continue to worsen for several days after the accident. Just because these whiplash injuries are labeled as ‘minor’ does not mean you do not need to obtain treatment to resolve the injury in a timely fashion.
The first step is to contact your insurance company to inform them of the collision asap.
Second, it is important that you schedule an assessment with a physiotherapist or chiropractor within 10 days of the collision for two reasons:
Outside of 10 days, you will have to go through your extended health benefits first and not qualify under the DTPR.
The sooner you get treatment the better the clinical outcomes will be from your injury.
We will need you to complete the “Notice of Loss and Proof of Claim Form”, also called an “AB1” and can send it to your insurance company for you.
Following a thorough assessment, your clinician will complete a “Treatment Plan Form”, also called an “AB2” that gets sent to your family physician and your insurance company, so they are aware of the extent of your injuries. You don’t need to see your family doctor first, unless your insurance requires it.
MVA Insurance coverage depends on the severity of the injury
The most common injuries following a minor motor vehicle accident are sprains and strains involving the soft tissue of the ligaments, tendons and/or muscles in your neck and back. Concussion and TMJ injuries are less frequent but may also be present.
Your neck injury will be classified as a whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) by your treating practitioner which rates the severity of the injury and indicates which protocol(s) you qualify for.
If your injury has not been resolved within 90 days or by the pre-approved number of visits, additional treatments may be requested over an extended timeframe, but are subject to insurer review and approval.
Once they are exhausted, your motor vehicle insurance will cover you under the AAIBR, and you are able to access a “reasonable amount” of care for up to 2 years following the accident if approved by your insurance company.
Your physiotherapist will provide this classification in the diagnosis.
Are other services covered in addition to physiotherapy?
These are considered adjunct therapy and include: chiropractic therapy, and massage therapy may be covered for injuries sustained in the motor vehicle accident. The DTPR covers a combined total of $1000 for these services.
Why 90 days?
Authorization for treatments under the DTPR expires 90 days after the motor vehicle accident unless the insurer approved additional treatments. Some of the research demonstrates the many WAD I and WAD II injuries will resolve within this time frame.
Can Lime Health Health Direct Bill?
Most insurance companies will allow direct billing. Please bring the following to your first appointment:
- Name of the insurance company
- Name and phone number of your adjuster
- Claim number
- Date of accident
- If your accident happened while working, then WCB (Workers’ Compensation Board) paperwork may be required. Please be prepared to answer questions in regards to previous treatments for your injuries due to the motor vehicle accident.
We will help you through this process
Your treating practitioner will communicate with your adjuster as needed and help to complete any required information. They will also work with you to determine the best treatment plan to meet your goals.
Your treating practitioner will give you a thorough assessment and treatment on your first visit and discuss your treatment plan with you.
Throughout your treatment there will be ongoing reassessment check-ins, to ensure effectiveness of treatment and to maximize your functional recovery in a timely fashion. We are here to help make your rehabilitation and funding process proceed as easily as possible!
FAQs for car accidents and vehicular collision-related injuries:
1. Do I have to be seen by a physician before I can start receiving treatment?
No! Under the Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols Regulation of the Alberta Government, physiotherapists and chiropractors are considered primary care practitioners. Any medical assessment required to begin treatment following your motor vehicle accident can be performed by one of our trusted clinicians. Following your assessment, the clinician will then coordinate with your insurance company to ensure you are getting the proper treatment for your specific injuries.
2. What does my coverage include if I am injured in an accident?
With motor vehicle claims, you will be entitled to a specified number of treatments, depending on the type and severity of your injuries. Such services can include a combination of physiotherapy, chiropractic and adjunct therapies such as massage. The type and duration of needed treatments will be determined at your assessment. We will take a full hour with you on your first visit to ensure we have a complete picture of what we are looking at together.
Work Related Injuries - Workers Compensation Board
Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) provides physiotherapy, chiropractic, psychology or acupuncture coverage for workers injured on the job. We bill WCB directly for treatments, assist to complete necessary forms, progress reports, treatment extensions and communicate with adjudicators, your employer and other healthcare professionals involved in your treatment. Our team can help you navigate any aspects of the WCB process that you may be unsure about.
What should you do first after being injured at work?
If you’ve been injured at work, it’s important to seek treatment quickly. Contact your employer and WCB to report the injury. You can report your injury to WCB online. Your employer is also required by law to submit the employer report of injury form within 72 hours after becoming aware of an injury or illness. The sooner WCB receives your information, the faster they can determine entitlement to benefits and services.
You can book an appointment with a physiotherapist or chiropractor without seeing your family doctor first.
- How to Book an Appointment
- To book an appointment for WCB-funded physiotherapy or chiropractic treatment, contact our clinic or book online. Please have the following information ready:
- Date of the workplace injury
- Your WCB claim number (if available)
- Contact information for your WCB case manager (if available)
What is covered by WCB to get you back to work?
Physiotherapy patients will receive 12 treatments over the span of 4 weeks (usually 3 times per week). Chiropractic patients will receive 21 treatments over the span of 6 weeks. WCB does not change their end dates due to holidays or illness and they track canceled appointments. Once the treatments have been completed there is an opportunity for your clinician to request an extension if additional treatments are medically indicated. If this is denied by WCB, there are typically 2 transitional visits available to assist with the transition back to work.
WCB approved sundry items (pain relieving and exercise equipment) for your home program can be provided to you within the product allowances of $200 for physiotherapy and $100 for chiropractic.
Surgical/Fracture Protocols may include more treatment and vary depending on the specific procedure or fracture site.
Specialized Services may be covered when medically indicated. This may include vestibular rehabilitation, and pelvic health physiotherapy.
FAQs for WCB Funded Physiotherapy and Chiropractic
1. Do I need to see my family doctor before starting treatment?
No, you can book an appointment directly with a physiotherapist or chiropractor.
2. How many treatments am I eligible for?
The number of treatments depends on the severity of your injury, up to 12 visits over 4 weeks for physiotherapy or 21 visits over 6 weeks for chiropractic. More treatments may be permitted if you underwent a surgery as a result of your injury.
Employers Work
- Onsite Massages
- FCE & PDA
- Pre-Emploment Screening
- Online Services
- Occupational Injury Services
- Long Term Disability
- Ergonomic Assessment
- Long Term Disabilities