Question 1

Do I need a doctor's referral?

Accepted Answer

No referral is required to book physiotherapy, registered massage therapy, chiropractic, or kinesiology at Launch Rehab. You can self-refer and book directly online at launch.janeapp.com. Some extended health insurance plans do require a doctor's referral before they will reimburse a claim. Check your plan booklet if you are unsure, or call us and we can advise based on what we see from your insurer.

Question 2

Does MSP cover physiotherapy in BC?

Accepted Answer

For most BC residents, MSP (the Medical Services Plan) does not cover routine physiotherapy. The only exception is MSP Supplementary Benefits, an income-tested program that contributes $23 per visit toward a combined maximum of 10 visits per calendar year across physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, naturopathy, and podiatry together. Eligibility requires adjusted net income below $42,000 per year, or qualifying through Income Assistance, the Guaranteed Income Supplement, or the First Nations Health Authority. Most people fund physiotherapy through their employer's extended health plan, through ICBC (car accidents), or through WorkSafeBC (workplace injuries). Source: Government of British Columbia, MSP Supplementary Benefits program.

Question 3

How many physiotherapy visits does ICBC cover?

Accepted Answer

Under ICBC Enhanced Care, the first 12 weeks of physiotherapy are pre-approved, with no prior authorization required. This typically works out to 25 visits in 12 weeks, though the exact number depends on your treating physiotherapist's recommendations. After 12 weeks, you or your physiotherapist can request an extension if treatment goals have not yet been reached. Registered massage therapy, chiropractic, kinesiology, acupuncture, and clinical counselling have their own separate ICBC visit allotments. Source: ICBC Enhanced Care coverage, icbc.com.

Question 4

What is the difference between WorkSafeBC and ICBC physiotherapy coverage?

Accepted Answer

WorkSafeBC covers physiotherapy for injuries that happened at work or during a work-related task. ICBC covers physiotherapy for injuries from a motor vehicle accident in BC. The determining factor is where and how the injury occurred, not which funding body you prefer. Both programs allow direct billing, meaning you pay nothing out of pocket at Launch Rehab for approved visits. If you were driving for work and were in a crash, both claims may apply; your physiotherapist and claims adjuster can help sort out which applies. Source: ICBC Enhanced Care, icbc.com; WorkSafeBC physiotherapy coverage, worksafebc.com.

Question 5

Which health insurance providers do you directly bill?

Accepted Answer

Launch Rehab directly bills most health insurance claims with: Canada Life, Sun Life, Manulife, Desjardins, ClaimSecure, IA Financial Group, First Canadian, Johnston Group, Johnson, Cowan, Pacific Blue Cross, Green Shield, and Medavie Blue Cross. We also directly bill ICBC, WorkSafeBC, and MSP Supplementary Benefits. If your provider is not listed, payment is collected at time of service and you will receive a receipt for direct reimbursement from your insurer.

Question 6

What is the difference between physiotherapy, RMT, and chiropractic, and which should I book first?

Accepted Answer

Physiotherapy is the broadest starting point: a physiotherapist assesses the injury, identifies the root cause (joint, muscle, nerve, or motor-control issue), and designs a plan that can include manual therapy, exercise, and modalities. Registered Massage Therapy (RMT) focuses on soft-tissue work: releasing tension, improving circulation, and reducing acute muscle guarding. Chiropractic centres on joint mobilization and manipulation, particularly of the spine. For most new injuries, physiotherapy is the recommended first booking because the assessment drives the treatment plan. For recovery maintenance, chronic muscle tightness, or a known condition you have managed before, RMT or chiropractic may be appropriate from the first visit. When in doubt, book physiotherapy. Your physiotherapist can refer you to our in-house RMT or chiropractor if they are part of the best plan for you.

Question 7

Can I see more than one type of practitioner at Launch Rehab in the same week?

Accepted Answer

Yes. At Launch Rehab you can book physiotherapy, registered massage therapy, and chiropractic in the same week. These are separate services with separate visit allotments under extended health plans, ICBC, and WorkSafeBC. Under ICBC Enhanced Care, you can receive physiotherapy and RMT and chiropractic concurrently as the model pre-approves several disciplines simultaneously. Your practitioners communicate within the studio to keep the treatment plan consistent.

Question 8

How do I pay for my visit?

Accepted Answer

We accept cash, cheque, VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, and debit. For directly-billed extended health plans, ICBC, and WorkSafeBC, there is nothing to pay at the desk for covered services. If your insurer is not on our direct-bill list, you pay at the time of service and receive a receipt to submit to your insurer yourself. Please come prepared to settle your account after each private-pay visit.

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OUR CLIENTS

Common questions, answered straight away.

Our people.

Recovery and training notes, written by our clinicians.

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LIVE A BETTER LIFEthrough movement.