What to Expect After Opening an ICBC MVA Claim: A Guide to Treatment and Recovery through ICBC Enhanced Care
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in British Columbia, you may be wondering what happens after you open an ICBC claim, when you can start treatment, and which type of health care provider you should see.
Under ICBC Enhanced Care, people injured in a motor vehicle accident can access pre-approved treatments during the first 12 weeks after the accident. You don’t need to wait for ICBC approval or get a doctor’s referral to start these pre-approved treatments.
Here’s what you can expect as you begin treatment after opening an ICBC MVA claim.
What should I do after opening an ICBC MVA claim?
After opening your ICBC claim, a good first step is to see your family doctor for an assessment. Your doctor can assess your injuries and recommend appropriate next steps based on your condition.
Depending on your injuries, this may include physiotherapy or another form of treatment. If your injuries require more immediate medical attention, your doctor may also direct you to seek emergency care.
From there, your health care provider can perform a more detailed assessment, develop a treatment plan, and collaborate with other practitioners when appropriate.
You can begin ICBC pre-approved treatment as soon as you have your claim number.
Do I need a doctor’s referral for ICBC Enhanced Care treatment?
No. You don’t need a referral from a family doctor or nurse practitioner to access ICBC’s pre-approved treatments during the first 12 weeks after your accident. You also don’t need prior ICBC approval for these treatments.
During this period, ICBC currently pre-approves:
Health Care Provider | Pre-Approved Treatments |
Physiotherapy | Up to 25 |
Chiropractic | Up to 25 |
Registered Massage Therapy (RMT) | Up to 12 |
Kinesiology | Up to 12 |
Psychology | Up to 12 |
Clinical Counselling | Up to 12 |
Acupuncture | Up to 12 |
You’ll need your ICBC claim number and Personal Health Number (PHN) when accessing treatment.
You don’t need to use every available appointment. The number and frequency of treatments should depend on your injuries, recovery, and individual needs.
Should I see a physiotherapist, chiropractor, RMT, or kinesiologist?
There isn’t one practitioner who is right for every motor vehicle accident injury. Where you start can depend on your symptoms, needs, and treatments that have worked well for you in the past.
For example, you may have previously responded well to physiotherapy and treatments such as dry needling, massage therapy, chiropractic adjustments, or exercise-based rehabilitation.
If you’re unsure where to begin, you can start with an assessment from one practitioner. They can assess your condition and help determine whether another type of practitioner may also be appropriate.
You can see more than one type of practitioner during your recovery, and your practitioners can collaborate and coordinate your care.
More treatment isn’t necessarily better. Scheduling too many treatments at once may be tiring or strenuous. Your treatment plan can be adjusted based on how your body responds and how your recovery progresses.
What happens during the first 12 weeks of an ICBC claim?
The first 12 weeks after your accident are the initial pre-approved treatment period under ICBC Enhanced Care.
The frequency of your appointments will depend on your individual needs. You might see one or two practitioners during a week, or your provider may recommend a different frequency based on your condition.
Your treatment plan can also change as you recover. You may initially require more frequent care and gradually reduce your appointments as your condition improves.
If you’re working with multiple practitioners, they can coordinate your care and space appointments appropriately. The goal is to determine what helps your recovery and adjust your care accordingly, rather than simply using every treatment available.
What happens if I still need treatment after 12 weeks?
Reaching the end of the initial 12-week period doesn’t necessarily mean your treatment has to stop.
If you’re still experiencing problems related to your accident, speak with your health care provider. They can assess what additional treatment or support you may need and communicate those needs to your ICBC recovery specialist.
Your health care provider can submit a request for additional treatment if continued care is needed. Treatment beyond the initial 12 weeks requires ICBC approval.
What should I bring to my first ICBC treatment appointment?
For physiotherapy, chiropractic care, kinesiology, or another appointment that involves assessing your movement, wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely.
Your practitioner may need to assess movements involving your arms, legs, twisting, turning, or other movements related to your symptoms. If you’re coming directly from work or another commitment, consider bringing a change of clothes.
It’s also a good idea to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.
Have your ICBC claim number and Personal Health Number (PHN) available. Your provider may use your claim number to bill ICBC directly for eligible treatment.
Does ICBC pay the clinic directly?
Many health care providers in British Columbia can bill ICBC directly for eligible treatments. If your provider offers direct billing, you may not need to pay the ICBC-covered amount upfront.
If your provider doesn’t direct bill, you may need to pay for your appointment and submit the expense to ICBC for reimbursement. ICBC reimburses eligible treatment up to its approved rates, so ask your clinic about its fees and whether you’ll need to pay anything out of pocket. Keep any receipts for expenses you pay directly.
What to Remember About ICBC Treatment After an Accident
Recovery after a motor vehicle accident looks different for everyone. You don’t need to use every available treatment or see every type of practitioner.
Start with an assessment, discuss your symptoms and goals with your health care provider, and develop a treatment plan based on your needs. Your plan can be adjusted as your symptoms and abilities change.
During the first 12 weeks after your accident, ICBC Enhanced Care provides access to pre-approved treatment without requiring a doctor’s referral or prior ICBC approval. If you need treatment beyond that period, your health care provider can work with ICBC to request additional care.
The goal is to develop a treatment plan that supports your recovery and helps you return to your normal daily activities.
This article provides general information about treatment following an ICBC motor vehicle accident claim and is not a substitute for medical advice. Treatment needs vary by individual. Speak with your health care provider about your injuries and recovery.
Click here for additional resources: https://icbc.com/claims/enhanced-care
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