Frequently Asked Questions
When are the therapists available?
Clinic Hours
Monday: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday; 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
All therapists have individual schedules within these clinic hours. Please call us to make a booking.
Do I need a referral?
We do not require a referral to see you as a patient. The Medical Services Plan of British Columbia (MSP) does not require that you have a physician’s referral to come to physiotherapy. If you have an extended health plan please check to see if they require you to have a referral.
What do I need to bring with me?
Please bring your BC Care Card, your physician’s referral (if you have one), information about your medical conditions, which medications you are taking, whether you have had any x-rays that may assist in your assessment, information regarding which insurance company (if applicable) will be covering your visit and your visit fee.
Bring a pair of gym shorts (for back and lower limb injuries) or we have gowns available.
Important Note: Comox Physiotherapy is a scent-free environment. Please refrain from wearing fragrance or scented products to your appointment.
Please arrive at least 10 minutes early for your first visit to allow sufficient time to fill in paperwork and to set up your file.
Where can I park?
Patient parking is available in the parking lot directly in front of the clinic.
How long are the visits?
The first visit with a physiotherapist is approximately 45 minutes (or 1 hour for pelvic floor appointments) to allow for thorough evaluation as well as to begin treatment. This includes time after one-on-one time with the physio should you require heat, ice, or Electrical Modalities. Subsequent visits are usually 30 – 45 minutes in total, depending on what your condition requires.
What should I expect during the treatment?
When you first arrive, our office staff will welcome you and ask you to complete intake forms if you haven’t already done so online. These forms will provide us with helpful information about your medical condition to enable the physiotherapist to make a well-informed evaluation.
You will then be shown to a private room (door) or curtained cubicle where your physiotherapist will review your medical history and particulars about your injury in order to perform an assessment. Pelvic floor appointments are always conducted in fully private, closed-door rooms.
Your physiotherapist will follow this assessment with treatment, exercises if applicable, and education regarding your rehabilitation. You will be instructed as to what type of activities should be undertaken during your recovery stage, and what is expected of you between treatments in order to achieve the most benefit (i.e. rest and/or exercise, heat and/or ice, and approximately how long you may need to come for treatment).
How many visits can I have?
You can attend as many visits as you or your doctor feel is necessary. If you have insurance coverage through MSP, Work Safe, ICBC, VAC, or another provider, you may wish to check how many visits and what portion of your visit will be covered under your particular plan.
Once your coverage runs out you can opt to pay privately.
MSP (Medical Services Plan of BC)
If you qualify for Supplementary Benefits through Health Insurance BC, the program will assist with payment for 10 visits in a calendar year. These 10 visits include:
Massage
Chiropractor
Naturopath
Podiatrist
If you are unsure whether you qualify for Supplementary Benefits, please ask us and we can verify your coverage. We will require your legal name, date of birth, and personal health number in order to verify your eligibility. Households with an annual income of $42,000 or less usually qualify for this benefit. Please note that patients are responsible for a visit charge, even if this benefit applies.
WorkSafeBC
WSBC covers 6 weeks of physiotherapy (or 8 weeks if post-surgery) if your claim is accepted by WSBC and you are seeking physiotherapy within 60 days of the date of injury.
A physician’s referral is not required for Standard Treatment; you can be self-referred or employer-referred.
ICBC
If you were involved in an accident after March 31, 2019, you qualify for 25 physiotherapy treatments AND 12 kinesiology visits within 12 weeks of the date of injury.
Your practitioner can request an extension to these benefits from ICBC if required.
If you are seeking an initial visit more than 12 weeks after your date of injury, pre-approval for the assessment must be obtained from ICBC prior to treatment.
Veteran’s Affairs Canada (VAC)
Number of visits limited to 20 physiotherapy treatments and 15 acupuncture per calendar year; can be extended based on application to VAC.
DND
The standard number of visits requisitioned by CFB Comox Health Services for a member is 10 (1 assessment & 9 follow-up visits).
A referral is required and must be issued by the Base Hospital prior to your initial assessment.
RCMP
Combined annual maximum of $4,800 (physiotherapy and acupuncture).
A medical doctor referral is required if coming in for acupuncture.
No referral is needed if coming in for physiotherapy.
Do I qualify for Supplementary Benefits through the BC Medical Services Plan?
You may qualify for assistance with 10 visits per calendar year if:
Your household income is less than $42,000/year.
You are a First Nations individual with valid BC Medical Plan coverage through the First Nations Health Authority
You have recently lost your job (you can qualify under temporary assistance).
How do I apply for assistance through MSP?
There are three ways to apply:
Call 1–800–663–7100 (Health Insurance BC / Medical Service Plan)
Get the application forms from the Access Centre on Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay
Website: Ministry of Health
