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Overview for Physiotherapists
WorkSafeBC has a network of more than 1,100 physiotherapists that provide therapy to B.C.'s injured workers. Members of this network must be in good standing with College of Physical Therapy of BC, and abide by the terms and conditions set out in the Physiotherapy Agreement (the Agreement) between WorkSafeBC and the Physiotherapy Association of B.C. WorkSafeBC has prepared a Physiotherapy Services Reference Manual (PDF 571kb) as a companion document to the current Agreement.
Concurrent treatment
Generally, injured workers should receive treatment from only one medical or rehabilitation service provider at a time. This means workers receiving physiotherapy should not be receiving physiotherapy and/or other types of treatment at the same time. For more information, see Section 72.00 in Chapter 10 (PDF 180kb) of the Rehabilitation Services and Claims Manual.
Referral process
Before the physiotherapist can treat an injured worker, he or she must receive a referral from the worker's attending physician, specialist, or WorkSafeBC physician. When the referral is made by telephone, document this in your clinic record. If your assessment identifies findings inconsistent with the injury accepted on the claim, notify the WorkSafeBC officer and attending physician. The WorkSafeBC officer will then determine whether or not the new findings are part of the claim.
Physiotherapy initial notification
Following the initial visit for Stream 1, the physiotherapist must, within 3 business days, submit the physiotherapy Initial Notification Form (PDF 56kb).
For Streams 2, 3, and 4, the physiotherapist must submit a Physiotherapy Report Form 268 within three business days of the initial visit.
Treatment duration
Stream 1 (standard treatment):
- Maximum 22 visits (including initial visit) within an eight-week period
Streams 2 to 4:
- As approved by board officer based on the submitted Physiotherapy Report Form 268
Worker education
Education is an important component of physiotherapy, as outlined in Schedule A — “Approach to Intervention.” The physiotherapist should provide education on the following topics:
- What the worker can expect from the treatment
- Pain control
- Self-management of the injury
- Prevention of re-injury
- Concept of early re-activation
- Benefits of a return-to-work program
- Payment procedure for physiotherapy service(s)
To help educate your clients, WorkSafeBC has prepared an information brochure entitled Your Physiotherapist and You (PDF 211kb).
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