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How do I Access Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapists are primary care practitioners. This means that people have direct access to physiotherapy services without the need for a physician referral. However, in order for physiotherapy services to be covered under OHIP or by some extended health insurance plans, you may require a doctor's referral.
Physiotherapy in hospitals may be provided to in-patients staying in hospital or in an out-patient clinic. Many out-patient clinics provide rehabilitation programs for people who have had surgery, or are recovering from strokes or heart attacks. Not all hospitals in Ontario have an out-patient physiotherapy program or physiotherapy services that will meet your specific needs. Check with your local hospital to find out what physiotherapy services are available in your area.
Long Term Care Homes may have a physiotherapist on staff or contract with local physiotherapists to provide the services. However, some residents, and/or their families obtain physiotherapy services through private means.
Physiotherapy services may be delivered in your home through a Community Care Access Centre (CCAC). CCACs have eligibility criteria for patients to receive physiotherapy and may have limits on the number of physiotherapy treatments available. To see if you qualify for CCAC delivered physiotherapy in your home contact your local CCAC directly by dialing 310-CCAC (2222).
"The Ontario Physiotherapy Association can help you locate the registered physiotherapist nearest you"
The majority of physiotherapy services available in the community are delivered through private physiotherapy clinics. To find a private clinic in your area contact the Ontario Physiotherapy Association or visit the Find a Physiotherapist section.
Payment for Physiotherapy Services
Over the last 15 years there has been steady erosion in the availability of publicly funded physiotherapy services, particularly through hospital out-patient clinics due to cost cutting by government and hospitals in response to strained fiscal situations. The result is that physiotherapy services have become increasingly more privately funded.
Many people either self-pay or have some coverage for physiotherapy through insurance plans. Insurers include the Workers' Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and insurance coverage through employer-provided or private Extended Health Benefits (EHB) plans and Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) coverage through automobile insurers.
OHIP funded physiotherapy is delivered in some communities by Designated Physiotherapy Clinics (DPCs). OHIP covers physiotherapy treatment but does not cover the cost of assessment or re-assessment, so in many instances an additional assessment and/or administrative fee is charged to the patient. In order to be covered for physiotherapy services at a Designated Physiotherapy Clinic, you must have a doctor’s referral and be one of the following:
- 19 years old or younger, or;
- 65 years old or older, or;
- Are receiving benefits under the Ontario Disability Support Program or Ontario Works, or;
- Have been overnight in a hospital for a condition that now requires physiotherapy treatment.
To find out if there is a clinic near you contact the OPA Office.
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