ICBC categorizes massage therapy as a nondiscretionary therapy, which means that treatment is automatically approved for a claimant injured in a motor vehicle accident at the amount of $23.00 per treatment. Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) are still encouraged by the Massage Therapists Association of BC (MTABC) to communicate with the ICBC adjuster to confirm coverage prior to treatment.
The claimant may seek massage therapy at any time, provided the claim is still open. While a doctor’s referral is not necessary for the first twelve appointments (provided there is no break in treatments), an RMT must assess and determine a treatment plan for the patient. A doctor’s referral is required if more than twelve massage therapy appointments are required or if there is a time gap in treatments.
Should you have an open ICBC claim and you receive a treatment by an RMT at Aspect Health, you will be charged the full cost of the appointment and a receipt will be issued for you to submit to ICBC for a reimbursement of $23.00.