Advocacy
Only a Physiotherapist can provide physiotherapy
The NBPA advocates on behalf of physiotherapists and their patients. The NBPA is involved in advocating for the physiotherapy profession with many stakeholders and audience groups. The physiotherapy profession in an integral part of the NB and canadian health care system. We work closely with other health care professionals including physicians, occupational therapists, nurses, social workers, respiratory and massage therapists.
Working closely with physicians and other health professionals, physiotherapists treat people in hospitals and clinics, neighbourhood schools, homes and long-term care programs, and sports medicine facilities.
Physiotherapists in Primary Health Care
Physiotherapists have the skills and competencies to support individuals and populations across the continuum of care, including health promotion and illness prevention, self-management, treatment and rehabilitation. Physiotherapists can assess and treat individuals across the life-span who have illness, injury or disability affecting the neuro-musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, vascular, and neurological systems.They also promote wellness and increased quality of life through education, specialized programming and a holistic approach to care. There are currently physiotherapists working in primary health care organizations across the province.
Insurance & Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy services are recognized by many insurers as an essential component of any extended health benefits package.
As a consumer, you have the right to choose the physiotherapist that’s right for you and who meets your specific treatment needs. If you need help finding a physiotherapist in your area, please email our office: atlanticbranches@physiotherapy.ca.
If you need physiotherapy services and are covered by an insurance plan, it is important that you find out as much as you can about your coverage before seeing the physiotherapist.
Some Questions To Ask
- Do you require a physician's referral? Although physiotherapists are primary access practitioners under the Regulated Health Professions Act and do not require a physician referral to treat, some insurers still require it before they will pay for the service.
- Does your insurance have a per-visit maximum? In other words, will they only pay up to a certain amount per visit? If the physiotherapist's rate is higher, you will be responsible for the difference.
- Does your plan have an annual limit?
- Is your physiotherapy coverage combined with any other healthcare? Some plans have a total amount that they will pay for a group of health care providers.
- How does your insurance company handle claims? Can the physiotherapist bill them directly for their services, or do you have to pay up front and submit an invoice?