ICBC now categorizes massage therapy as per physiotherapy and chiropractic. This means that treatment is automatically approved for a claimant injured in a Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA).
ICBC has removed the “1st 8 weeks post MVA” time limitation on massage therapy treatments. This means that a patient can seek and receive massage therapy any time after an MVA, provided that the claim is still open.
An MD referral is no longer necessary for the first 12 treatments. But all therapists are required to assess and determine that their treatment plan is reasonable and necessary.
ICBC is regulated to pay a portion ($23 per treatment) of a minimum 12 treatments but has the discretion to authorise further therapy (up to 20 treatments). A request for more than 12 treatments is given if further therapy is recommended by an MD, and again the treatments are deemed to be reasonable and necessary.
