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Paying for Physiotherapy Services
Publicly Funded Physiotherapy
In Nova Scotia, physiotherapy is covered by our provincial health care system. You can access out-patient physiotherapy through your local hospital – however, there are often lengthy waits to receive care. Speak to your local physiotherapy out-patient clinic to find out more information on whether or not they have a wait list, and approximately how long the wait might be.
If you have had orthopaedic surgery such as knee or hip replacement surgery, you will most likely receive some in-patient physiotherapy following the surgery, and may also be referred for out-patient physiotherapy once you are released from hospital, to assist with your recovery. Other examples of people who would most likely be referred for physiotherapy within the public health system would include young children with chronic conditions such as cerebral palsy or cystic fibrosis, and seniors or those with serious chronic illnesses living in extended care facilities.
Privately Funded Physiotherapy
Nova Scotia workers who are injured while at work, and are insured under the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia, may receive physiotherapy covered by their employer’s WCB insurance premiums. Injured workers can go directly to a physiotherapist. There is no need for a referral from a doctor.
Individuals can access private physiotherapy by simply walking in to their local physiotherapy clinic – no physician referral is required, and there is usually no or minimal wait time to receive treatment. If you are covered by a group health insurance program through your place of work, physiotherapy is very commonly included as one of the eligible benefits. However, the benefit may be capped at a specific amount per year such as $500 or $1,000, after which you would need to pay out-of-pocket. Note that while it is increasingly rare, some insurance companies require a physician referral before they will reimburse physiotherapy treatment expenses.
Clinics in Nova Scotia recently participated in a national physiotherapy Cost of Business Survey. This survey provided detailed, reliable statistical data regarding the cost of operating a physiotherapy clinic. Based on that data, the Nova Scotia Physiotherapy Association (NSPA) has developed a Recommended Fee Schedule for Physiotherapy Treatment. The draft fee schedule was reviewed by the NSPA Board of Directors in May 2009, and is being rolled out to members. For information on the fee schedule, please contact Christine James, Executive Director, (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Not all physiotherapists will charge exactly according to the recommended schedule; however it will provide a guideline for what to expect.
Physiotherapists must advise you of any cost for treatment before they start treating you, and should be willing to openly discuss the approximate number of treatments you should require once an initial assessment has been completed. If in doubt about coverage and costs, ask your physiotherapist, physician, insurance company, or, if applicable, facility director (e.g., hospital, extended-care facility).
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