“If you have been injured in an automobile accident in Alberta, you are entitled to accident benefits coverage regardless of whether you were at fault for the accident.” (Government of Alberta).
You’re also allowed to choose where you go for physio. Your insurance company may suggest a specific clinic, but it is your right to choose where you access your treatment.
Set up an appointment with your primary healthcare provider
Set up an appointment with your preferred health care practitioner (IE. doctor, physiotherapist) as soon as possible so they can assess your injury and develop a treatment plan.
Although your insurance company may refer you to a ‘preferred provider’, you’re welcome to choose where you access treatment. A ‘preferred’ clinic doesn’t mean better care.
“You as a patient have the right to choose your physiotherapy provider. You may have a great pre-existing relationship with a physiotherapist that you have seen previously for unrelated injuries…There is ample research that supports that working with a physiotherapist you trust produces better outcomes.” (College of Physiotherapists of Alberta)
File a police report
Reach out to your local police station to file an official report of the accident in the following circumstances (from the Alberta government website):
Complete the necessary car accident forms
Complete an AB-1: Notice of Loss and Proof of Claim Form and retain a copy for your records and send the original signed form(s) to the insurance company. If you are unable to send the form within the following timeframes, submit it to your insurance company as soon as practicable and explain the reason for the delay.
Wait for your insurance company to reach out
Your insurance company will contact you regarding the benefits you’re entitled to once they’ve reviewed your completed AB-1 form. They may also need additional information to process your claim.
Read on below for more information about physio treatment following a car accident (MVA)
What’s covered?
The amount of treatment you are covered for depends on the type of injury you have. After your assessment, your therapist will provide a diagnosis and explain your treatment plan moving forward.
If you have a sprain, strain, or whiplash, you will receive up to 21 visits covered by insurance. These visits are to be used within 90 days of your accident. If you sustained injuries that do not fit under these categories, you may fall out of the “Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols” for car accidents. In this case, your healthcare provider and the insurance company will communicate to determine the course of action for your ongoing treatment.
What if I’m still not better?
If you’ve reached the end of your approved number of visits or the 90-day timeline following your car accident and your therapist determines you still require additional treatment, they’ll indicate this in the report they send to your insurance.
After reviewing the information, your insurance may or may not approve additional treatments outside the “protocols”. It’s important to note that even if additional treatment is approved, you will need to exhaust your personal extended health benefits (Blue Cross, Sun Life, etc) first.
Where can I find more information?
The Government of Alberta website outlines the steps to take following a car accident – view that information here.
If you have any questions about the process or if you’d like to book a physiotherapy assessment for your car accident treatment at Acceleration Physiotherapy, please get in touch!