Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Some Common Questions

Question: What is acupuncture?
Answer: Find out more about our acupuncture treatments in detail right here » »

Question: What is Post-Breast Cancer Therapy?
Answer: Find out about post-surgery physiotherapy treatments for breast cancer recovery in detail right here » »

Question: What is Craniosacral Therapy?
Answer: Find out how craniosacral therapy might help you right here » »

Question: When are the therapists available?
Answer: Please view our physiotherapist schedule of availability here » »

Question: Do I need a referral?
Answer: The BC medical plan (MSP (Medical Services Plan of B.C.) does not require that you have a physician's referral to come to physiotherapy. If you have an extended health plan and are going to claim your portion of the visit through your plan, check to see if they require you to have a referral.

For other insurance plans please see below.

Question: What do I need to bring with me?
Answer: Please bring your BC CareCard (if you are claiming through WorkSafeBC or ICBC or if you are on exempt medical status),your physician's referral (if you have one), information about your medical conditions, what medications you are taking, whether you have had any x-rays, information regarding which insurance company will be covering your visit and your visit fee.

Bring a pair of shorts (for back and lower limb injuries) or we have gowns available.

* Please make sure you arrive at least 10 minutes early for your first visit to allow sufficient time to fill in paperwork and to set up your file.*

Question: Where can I park?
Answer: Customer parking is as indicated in designated spots in the parking lot at the rear of the building.

If walking is a problem or the lot is icy you may park close to the door. There is also limited parking on the street.

Question: How long are the visits?
Answer: The first visit is approximately one hour. Subsequent visits are usually 30 - 45 minutes depending on your treatment plan. Your therapist will be able to give you a better idea following your first visit.

Please plan to be at the clinic at least 10 minutes before your initial appointment time to give required medical information.

We book at least 30 minutes (plus another 15-30 minutes for exercise and heat/ice) of one-on-one time with the therapist for each new patient, to give a thorough evaluation and treatment.

Question: What should I expect during the treatment?
Answer: When you first arrive one of our office staff will have you complete our information sheet. This will give us some helpful information about your medical condition to enable the physiotherapist to make a well informed evaluation.

You will then be shown to a private cubicle where your therapist will review your medical history and particulars about your injury in order to do an assessment.

She will follow this with treatment, exercises if applicable, and education regarding your injury. You will be instructed as to what type of activities are allowed during your recovery stage, what is expected of you between treatments. (i.e.; rest, exercise etc., and approximately how long you will need to come for treatment.)

Question: How many visits can I have?
Answer: You can have as many visits as you or your doctor feel is necessary.The only limit is that which is set by your insurance plans. Once your coverage runs out you can opt to pay privately.

* MSP (Medical Services Plan of B.C., exempt status coverage)
You are allowed 10 visits in a calendar year but these are combined with:

Massage
Chiropractor
Naturopath
Podiatrist

* WorkSafeBC

covers 8 weeks of physiotherapy if your claim is accepted under Stream 1
referral is required

* ICBC

will depend on your claim, please speak to your adjudicator
referral is required

* DVA

number of visits limited to $800 for physiotherapy and $500 for acupuncture
referral is required

* DND

10 visits is the standard number of visits with a requisition from the base
a referral is required and must be issued by the Base Hospital

Question: Do I qualify for exempt status medical?
Answer: You can qualify if:
a) Your income is under $28,000 per year (single)
b) You have recently lost your job (you can qualify under temporary assistance).

Question: How do I apply for exempt status medical?
Answer: There are three ways to apply:
a) Call 1 - 800 - 663 - 7100 (Health Insurance BC)
b) Get the application forms from the Access Centre on Cliff Ave. in Courtenay
c) Website: www.hibc.gov.bc.ca

Contact Comox Physiotherapy Clinic:

Phone: (250) 339 - 6221
Fax: (250) 339 - 6379
Email: Comox Physiotherapy Clinic

Mail: 1822 - Unit C, Comox Ave., Comox, B.C., V9M 3M7

Location: Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada