How Direct Billing Works in BC for ICBC, WorkSafeBC, MSP and Extended Health
Key takeaways
- Direct billing means the clinic bills your insurer for you, so you only pay any remaining balance at the visit.
- ICBC pre-approves set numbers of visits in the first 12 weeks after a crash. Some ICBC visit types carry a user fee.
- Approved WorkSafeBC physiotherapy visits have no user fee at Vitality. WorkSafeBC claims are treated by our physiotherapists.
- MSP supplementary benefits contribute $23 per visit, up to 10 combined visits a calendar year, for people who qualify.
- Bring your claim number or plan details to your first visit so billing is ready before you arrive.
Direct billing means the clinic sends the bill to your insurer for you, so you only pay any remaining balance at your visit. At Vitality Integrative Health in Richmond, we direct bill ICBC, WorkSafeBC, MSP and most extended health plans for physiotherapy, registered massage therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture and kinesiology, depending on what each one covers.
This guide explains how each type of coverage works, what to bring, and what you can expect to pay.
What is direct billing?
Without direct billing, you pay the full fee and then send a claim to your insurer for reimbursement. With direct billing, the clinic submits the claim at your visit. The insurer pays its share to the clinic, and you pay only what is left, if anything. You still need to be covered: direct billing changes who submits the claim, not what your plan pays.
How does ICBC direct billing work after a car accident?
If you are injured in a crash in BC, ICBC pre-approves a set number of visits with several types of practitioners in the first 12 weeks. You do not need a doctor’s referral to start. Bring your claim number, the accident date and your claim specialist’s contact details so direct billing is ready before you arrive.
Some ICBC visit types carry a user fee. Vitality is independent from ICBC and offers direct billing as a courtesy, so your claim specialist remains your main contact about approvals and next steps. Our guide to physiotherapy after a car accident in BC lists the pre-approved visit counts, and our ICBC rehabilitation page shows every service covered.
How does WorkSafeBC direct billing work?
If you are hurt at work and have a WorkSafeBC claim, our physiotherapists can bill WorkSafeBC directly. Approved WorkSafeBC physiotherapy visits have no user fee at Vitality. Your first visit is a physiotherapy assessment and a written treatment plan within the WorkSafeBC framework.
Bring your claim number and date of injury, plus any job description or physical demands information you have. WorkSafeBC says that with a contracted physiotherapist you can get an initial assessment even before your claim is accepted. At Vitality, WorkSafeBC claims are treated by physiotherapists only. Kinesiology and work conditioning are available privately alongside your claim, but WorkSafeBC does not cover them. See our WorkSafeBC physiotherapy page for details.
Does MSP cover physiotherapy or massage in BC?
For most people, MSP does not pay for physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractic care or acupuncture. The exception is MSP supplementary benefits, which the BC government describes this way:
- MSP contributes $23 per visit for acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapy, naturopathy, physical therapy and non-surgical podiatry.
- There is a combined limit of 10 visits each calendar year across all of those services.
- Families with an adjusted net income under $42,000 may qualify, as well as people in certain other groups, such as Income Assistance recipients.
If you qualify, we bill MSP directly and you pay the remaining balance of the visit fee.
How does extended health direct billing work?
Many workplace and private extended health plans cover physiotherapy, registered massage therapy, chiropractic care and acupuncture, up to an amount set by your plan. We direct bill most of them, so you only pay any remaining balance. Bring your plan details to your first visit. Some plans ask for a doctor’s note before they reimburse certain services, so check your plan booklet or app if you are unsure.
What should I bring for direct billing?
| Coverage | Bring | What you pay |
|---|---|---|
| ICBC | Claim number, accident date, claim specialist’s contact details | Nothing for most pre-approved visits; a user fee for some visit types |
| WorkSafeBC | Claim number, date of injury, job description if you have one | No user fee for approved physiotherapy visits |
| MSP supplementary benefits | Your Personal Health Number | The visit fee minus MSP’s $23 |
| Extended health | Your plan and member details | Any balance your plan does not cover |
See our rates for visit lengths and fees.
Which services can be direct billed at Vitality?
Direct billing is available for physiotherapy, registered massage therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture and kinesiology, depending on what your insurer covers. If you are unsure, call 604 274 2692 and our patient experience coordinators will check with you before your visit.
Where can I use direct billing in Richmond?
Both of our Richmond clinics direct bill: Vitality Seafair at Unit 150, 8900 No 1 Rd, and Vitality Minoru inside the Minoru Centre for Active Living. Book online and choose your clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay anything at my visit with direct billing?
You pay only the balance your insurer does not cover. For approved WorkSafeBC physiotherapy visits there is no user fee, and most ICBC pre-approved visits have nothing to pay, though some ICBC visit types carry a user fee.
Does MSP cover massage therapy?
Only through MSP supplementary benefits, for people who qualify. MSP then contributes $23 per visit, up to 10 combined visits a calendar year across physical therapy, massage therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, naturopathy and non-surgical podiatry.
Do I need a referral for direct billing?
Not for ICBC treatment or for booking at Vitality. Some extended health plans ask for a doctor’s note before they reimburse certain services.
Can kinesiology be billed to WorkSafeBC?
No. At Vitality, WorkSafeBC claims are treated by our physiotherapists. Kinesiology and work conditioning are available privately alongside your claim.