Common Questions

No, you do not need a doctor’s referral to start physiotherapy. In Alberta, physiotherapists can be seen directly without the need to see a doctor first. However, while you do not need a doctor’s referral to see a physiotherapist, some extended health benefits plans may require a doctor’s referral or prescription for physiotherapy to be covered. Please check with your extended health benefits provider directly.
In Alberta, coverage for physiotherapy varies. Under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan, physiotherapy is not an insured service. That means in most cases, individuals are responsible for choosing to pay out-of-pocket for physiotherapy services in the community.

 

However, there are some situations in which Alberta Health Services (AHS) might cover physiotherapy. AHS does cover physiotherapy provided in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and other publicly-funded institutions. There are also some situations in which AHS may cover physiotherapy sessions at community clinics who have contracts with AHS. For example, for those who have had a fracture, orthopaedic surgery, or hip/knee replacement within the last 12 weeks; or for those who qualify for certain low-income services.

 

Unfortunately, we are currently not contracted to provide AHS-covered services at this time. If you think you might qualify, please contact the Rehabilitation Advice Line (RAL) tollfree at 1-833-379-0563 for more information or to find a contracted provider.

If you are enrolled in an extended health benefits plan individually or through your employer, part of the cost of your visit may be covered by your plan. There are many different types of extended health benefits plans so please check your plan or contact your plan provider about your physiotherapy coverage. Typically, if your plan has physiotherapy coverage, it will cover a portion of the cost of physiotherapy services and the remaining amount is paid privately.

No, we are not able to do direct billing to extended health benefits plans at this time. We will provide you with detailed receipts for each visit that you can submit to your extended health benefits provider for reimbursement.
We accept the following forms of payment:
  • Credit card (VISA or Mastercard)
  • E-transfer (please use the following email address: info@restore-physio.ca)
  • Cash
  • Cheque (please make the cheque payable to: Restore Physiotherapy)
We ask that you provide at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel your appointment. We charge a fee for late cancellations (less than 24 hours notice) and no-show appointments. This fee is 50% of the cost of the scheduled service. Please note that extended health benefits plans will not cover the cost of this fee. Please note: if you are ill and need to cancel your appointment with less than 24 hours notice, please notify us as soon as you can. You will not be charged the cancellation fee if you are acutely ill.
Our focus is on seeing private clients and we do not typically see motor vehicle accident insurance or Worker’s Compensation Board (WCB) clients. Please contact us for more information if you would like to discuss your options.
The first visit with your physiotherapist is called an ‘Initial Assessment’. The purpose of this visit is for your physiotherapist to learn about your condition and history, perform physical assessments (measures of things like your strength or balance), and discuss your goals and treatment plan with you. Although we often want to rush straight into treatment right away, it is important that your physiotherapist understands you, your medical history, current abilities, and goals. This helps them develop a treatment plan that is safe, realistic, and focused on what you want to achieve.

 

You can expect the following from your first visit:
  • Discussing your medical history, medications, and your current condition or concern.
  • Physical assessments (tests and measures) of things like your strength, range of motion, balance, or walking abilities.
  • Discussion of your goals.
  • Working together with your physiotherapist to decide on a treatment plan that works for you.
Here are some tips to make your first session go smoothly:
  • Complete the Initial Intake form online. If you don’t have time to fill it out fully, make sure you have a complete medical history and a list of your medications.
  • Wear comfortable clothes (and footwear if needed) that you can move in.
  • Ensure the home environment is safe by keeping pets secured and not smoking inside the home before your therapist arrives.
  • If you need a family member present to help with things like communication, remembering details of your medical history, or making decisions about your therapy and goals, please make sure they are present for the first appointment.
  • Think about your goals – this is your time, what do you want to achieve?
Every individual and situation is different. After the first visit, you and your physiotherapist will discuss your treatment plan and recommended follow-up visits based on your plan.
Please ensure your pets are secured away from the therapy area for safety and to minimize interruptions during your session.

Virtual physiotherapy (physiotherapy done by video online) is offered for follow-up appointments only for clients that have had an in-person Initial Assessment and the physiotherapist has determined that virtual physiotherapy is appropriate for their treatment plan. This is because during the Initial Assessment, the physiotherapist will perform tests and measures that need to be done in-person so that they are safe and accurate. An in-person assessment also allows your physiotherapist to determine how appropriate virtual physiotherapy is for you as an individual. Virtual physiotherapy doesn't work for everyone - for example, if you have difficulty with your balance and need someone close by to exercise safely, or if you have trouble using computers, virtual physiotherapy might not be very effective for you. An in-person assessment allows your therapist to evaluate how safe and effective virtual physiotherapy could be for you as an individual. Please speak to your therapist or reach out to us if you have further questions.

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