FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I make an appointment for physiotherapy? Does my doctor have to refer me?
To make an appointment, simply call our front desk at 403-356-9789 and one of our receptionists will be happy to help you. Once you have attended our clinic, you can make future appointments online, by phone, or in person.
No, you do not need a referral. Physiotherapists in Alberta are primary caregivers in our health care system.
Occasionally your Extended Health Benefit insurer may require a referral.
If you have a complex medical history or a specific medical concern, you may want to first see your doctor to rule out a medical root of your problem.
I’ve never been for physio…what happens during a physiotherapy assessment?
Each assessment and treatment is unique to your needs, but here is a breakdown of a typical visit to Pursuit:
- You may receive forms electronically ahead of time to complete
- Our Front Desk staff will greet you and accompany you to your treatment space
- One of our Physios will greet you and ask you questions about your injury/problem as well as your general health
- You will relay your concerns and goals
- The physio will complete a physical exam observing your posture and movement, testing your strength and performing additional tests specific to your condition
- Once the physical examination is complete, the Physio will explain your diagnosis and discuss treatment options
- Treatment is performed with the initial assessment, if time allows
- You may be given a home program and plan for follow-up
- Book your future appointments
- Feel and Move better soon!
Generally assessments take about 60 minutes, and subsequent visits take about 30 minutes. Depending on the area being treated, some disrobing may be needed, so you may want to bring a tank top and shorts to your appointment. We always have some available as well.
What kind of training do physiotherapists have?
Physiotherapists/Physical therapists in Canada have a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in physiotherapy from an accredited university. Only therapists with these credentials are allowed to call themselves physio/physical therapists. Physios also have to complete a licensing exam once they graduate.
After university, physiotherapists improve their skills through experience, learning from fellow therapists, and by taking post graduate courses in areas of interest or towards specific skills such as manual therapy or needling.
Physiotherapy is a government regulated profession which means that we have a licensing body that is in place to protect the public. You can find out more about the regulation of physiotherapy through the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (www.cpta.ab.ca).
How do I pay for physiotherapy?
Many people have extended health benefits through their employment or private health insurance. Most of these plans will cover some or all of your physiotherapy assessment and treatments. You may wish to contact your plan advisor to ask for your specific health benefit plan details. Examples of extended health plans may be Canada Life, Blue Cross, Sunlife, ASEBP…to name a few. Venus, our office manager, is also very knowledgeable about these plans and may be able to assist you. Call Venus at 403-356-9789, or email at venus@pursuitphysio.com
Many benefit plans allow direct billing. This means that we will bill your treatment cost directly to your insurer for you. Some insurance plans do not allow this. If this is the case, we bill you for your treatment and you submit your invoice to your plan for reimbursement. We accept cash, visa, mastercard, and debit transactions.
Do I have to do my exercises?
Being an active participant in your recovery does accelerate your progress! That said, we strive to “meet you where you are at”. Don’t hesitate to talk to your physio about what you can and can’t handle as part of your program.
How many times will I need to go for treatment?
This varies considerably depending on the nature of your issue. Part of the philosophy of the physiotherapy profession is to give you tools to be as independent as possible in your treatment. We have you attend for treatments when you need hands-on care or regular follow up. We educate you on exercises and modifications in your movement or activities to allow you to continue to improve at home. We strive to have you back to your activities as efficiently as possible and do not believe that everyone requires frequent or ongoing treatment.
You do not need a doctor’s referral.
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