If you are employed in British Columbia and get injured at work, your physiotherapy will be covered by WorkSafeBC. WorkSafeBC is the provincial government’s sanctioned insurance provider for all injured workers. No advance sign-up or membership fees required. Employers must be registered with WorkSafeBC to ensure insurance for workers.
Once you’ve received a WorkSafeBC claim number, give us a call or book a WorkSafeBC initial assessment online to get started on your rehabilitation with a registered physiotherapist.
I was injured at work – what do I have to do?
For all work-related injuries, WorkSafeBC will pay for your initial visit as long as your claim is registered with WorkSafeBC and you have a claim number. Further physiotherapy treatment may be covered after your claim is approved. A referral from your doctor is not necessary. You must ensure that you seek treatment from a physiotherapist who has a contract with WorkSafeBC to treat Injured Workers. On approved claims, there is no fee for service.
After an injury you must:
1. Report your injury to your employer.
2. Seek medical attention for your injury as soon as possible. Be sure to tell your doctor that your injury is work-related.
3. Report your injury to WorkSafeBC as soon as possible
4. Book your initial physiotherapy appointment, and notify us that your injury is work-related.
WorkSafeBC physiotherapy treatments:
WorksafeBC Physiotherapy treatment can help you recover from your work-related injury or disease. Our physiotherapists are experts in treating workplace injuries. They will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs and achieve your functional goal.
Return to work:
Your physiotherapist will assist you and may follow up with your employer, with your consent, and the WSBC adjuster to ensure a safe return to work process is achieved. We try to ensure that our client is involved throughout the process of their recovery and return to work.
We always keep in mind that the ultimate goal for all our patients is to return to a safe and productive lifestyle.
1. What kind of treatment is offered for WorkSafe BC?
You will receive a thorough assessment including a detailed history of the incident, your past medical history and specific questions about your work.
The goal will be to get you back to work as quickly as you are able to. We will provide treatment for your injury, which may include manual therapy and therapeutic exercise. Most importantly, we will listen to you and provide a treatment plan to get you back on your feet.
If your workplace can accommodate a gradual return to work plan, including modified duties, we will help coordinate this with your WorkSafeBC claim manager and your employer.
2. Do I need a doctor’s referral for WorkSafe BC?
Yes, in order to get a WorkSafeBC claim number, you need to be under the care of a physician. If you do not have a family physician, the majority of walk-in clinic doctors can help you. When booking the initial appointment with a walk-in clinic, make sure to let the receptionist know you’re coming in because you got injured on the job.
3. How often do I need to see the physiotherapist in the WorkSafe BC program?
Your coverage with WorkSafeBC allows you to come in twice a week for two 30 minute physiotherapy appointments until you are back to full time work.
At some point during your treatment, you may begin a gradual return to work plan. In addition, you may also work with one of our kinesiologists, who are experts in work reconditioning for some of the sessions.
4. What should I do if my WSBC Claim is still pending?
If you are submitting a claim and your claim is still pending, WorkSafeBC (WSBC) will cover your first visit with a physiotherapist as long as we have prior approval from WSBC and if you have a claim number. Once your claim is accepted, your physiotherapist will bill WorkSafeBC Physiotherapy sessions directly.
