Booking and claim numbers.
Do I need a referral to start ICBC physiotherapy?+
No. Under Enhanced Care you are pre-approved for the first 12 weeks of physiotherapy, RMT, chiropractic, kinesiology, and acupuncture without a referral.
How do I get an ICBC claim number?+
Report the crash to ICBC online at icbc.com or by phone at 1-800-910-4222. The claim number is typically issued the same day for online filings.
Can I book my first physio visit before the claim number arrives?+
Yes, in most cases. We will pencil you in and confirm the claim with ICBC once the number is available. Book and we will handle the rest.
How quickly should I have my first appointment?+
Within 7 days of the crash for most uncomplicated cases. Earlier is generally better — current guidelines on whiplash and soft-tissue injury recommend early active care.
What if I have not reported the crash yet?+
Report it as soon as you reasonably can — ICBC recommends reporting promptly. The online portal walks you through it. You do not need to know fault to file.
Billing and direct payment.
Do I pay anything out of pocket for ICBC physio?+
No, for pre-approved visits. The clinic bills ICBC directly. If a visit will fall outside your allotment, we tell you in advance.
What is direct billing?+
Direct billing means the clinic invoices ICBC directly for covered visits rather than having you pay and seek reimbursement. You sign a one-page consent at intake.
What if I exceed the pre-approved visit allotment?+
We notify you before that happens. You then have options: ICBC extension request, extended health coverage, or self-pay. You will not get a surprise bill.
Can I combine ICBC and extended health benefits?+
ICBC funds the pre-approved care directly, so combining is rarely needed in the first 12 weeks. After the window, extended health can pick up the difference if you have it.
Scope and profession choice.
Should I see a physio, an RMT, or a chiropractor first?+
Start with physiotherapy in most cases. Physio has the broadest assessment scope under ICBC, sets the diagnosis, and writes the plan. RMT, acupuncture, and kinesiology layer in as the plan dictates.
Are physio IMS and acupuncture the same thing?+
No. IMS (intramuscular stimulation) is dry needling performed by a physiotherapist within physio scope. TCM acupuncture is a separate profession regulated by the CCHPBC. They are billed separately under ICBC.
Is manual osteopathy covered?+
Manual osteopathy is not regulated in BC. ICBC funds the regulated professions — physio, RMT, chiropractic, kinesiology, acupuncture, counselling. Some manual osteopaths also hold an RMT licence and can bill within RMT scope.
Can I see multiple disciplines in the same week?+
Yes. Each profession has its own allotment under Enhanced Care. Most ICBC patients use at least two disciplines concurrently in the first six weeks.
Paperwork and reports.
What does my physiotherapist send to ICBC?+
An initial assessment summary and periodic progress notes describing your impairment, treatment plan, and response. You sign consent for this exchange at intake.
Will ICBC contact me directly?+
Yes, ICBC assigns an adjuster to your claim. They may call to ask about how the recovery is going, work status, or driving. You do not have to handle clinical questions — those go through your clinical team.
Do I need a doctor's note to start?+
Not for the pre-approved disciplines. A GP note is useful when work status, return-to-work timing, or extension requests come up.
After the 12-week window.
Can I keep getting treatment after 12 weeks?+
Yes, if there is ongoing documented impairment and a clear plan. ICBC has an extension pathway, and your physiotherapist can prepare the supporting treatment plan.
How likely is an extension to be approved?+
Extensions are decided case by case. They are stronger when there are measurable deficits, a clear plan with a defined endpoint, and engagement with the active rehab. Read the dedicated page on extensions for the full picture.
What if my extension is declined?+
You can request reconsideration with additional information, transition to extended-health-funded care, or self-fund. The 12-week window is not the end of access to care.
Edge cases.
What if the crash was not my fault?+
Enhanced Care applies regardless of fault. Treatment coverage is not changed by who is judged at fault.
What if I was at fault?+
Same answer. Treatment coverage applies regardless of fault under Enhanced Care.
I am from out of province — does this still apply?+
Generally, yes, if the crash happened in BC. There are nuances depending on your home jurisdiction's insurance regime, and we verify your specific coverage with ICBC before billing.
I have a pre-existing condition — does ICBC still cover physio?+
If the crash made the pre-existing condition worse, the related treatment can be in scope. Your physiotherapist documents the change carefully to support the claim.
I was a passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian hit by a car. Am I covered?+
Yes, in most cases. Enhanced Care benefits apply broadly to those injured in BC motor-vehicle crashes, not just drivers. File the claim and we will confirm coverage with ICBC.
Where to next
Got a claim number?
Send it over — we'll confirm coverage with ICBC and book you in this week.
This page is for general information only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. ICBC coverage details, treatment allotments, and claim rules change — confirm the current terms with ICBC or a legal adviser before relying on them. Treatment suitability is determined case-by-case during clinical assessment. Physiotherapy at Medstar Sport Physio & Health is provided by physiotherapists registered with the College of Physical Therapists of British Columbia (CPTBC).