Acupuncturists

Do you provide acupuncture treatments to customers injured in a car crash? Here are a few things you should know.

Invoicing

Acupuncturists approved to treat our customers and who have met ICBC's vendor requirements may use the Health Care Provider Invoicing and Reporting (HCPIR) application to invoice ICBC. A vendor number is required to use the HCPIR. If you do not already have a vendor number or you need to make changes to your vendor information, visit our Vendor number page.

ICBC is the first payer for acupuncture treatments administered on or after April 1, 2019. ICBC customers who choose to visit a health care provider that charges a higher rate than what ICBC funds will not be able to recover the user fees from ICBC for claims with an accident date on or after April 1, 2019. The patient is responsible for paying the user fee portion, which they may submit to their private health insurer for consideration of coverage.

Treatment guidelines

Acupuncturists are expected to assess patients and determine their treatment plans in accordance with the College practise standards, using evidence-informed practice when establishing a diagnosis and providing treatments.

When treating a patient with an injury listed in sections 3 or 4 of the Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols in the Minor Injury Regulation made under the Insurance (Vehicle) Act, a health care practitioner must educate the patient with respect to the following:

(1) (a) if applicable, the desirability of an early return:

a. to the activities the patient could perform before the injury, or

b. to the patient's employment, occupation or profession or the patient's training or education in a program or course;

(b) an estimate of the probable length of time that symptoms will last;

(c) the usual course of recovery;

(d) the probable factors that are responsible for the symptoms the patient may be experiencing;

(e) appropriate self-management and pain management strategies.

(2) When treating a pain syndrome and a psychological or psychiatric condition, a health care practitioner must identify comorbid conditions, if applicable.

Fees

Fees are based on a standard treatment, rather than being charged at an hourly rate.

Fee table

These fees apply to all treatments administered on or after April 1, 2020, regardless of the date of the accident that caused the injury.

*The initial fee visit includes the assessment and standard treatment provided that day. A standard treatment is not to be charged for the date the initial visit took place.

Notes

• ICBC does not require acupuncturists to complete medical reports.
• Treatments are based on sessions provided and fees reflect fair market rate for a standard industry visit.
• Treatment frequency will be based on clinical recommendations and should reflect best practice. Multiple treatment sessions provided by the same discipline, on the same day, will not be funded.
• In the case of a no-show, the clinic's no-show and cancellation policies should apply. ICBC will not pay for no-show appointments.

Clinical records

ICBC may request acupuncturists to provide clinical records. ICBC is not permitted to request clinical records without written patient consent.

Contact & support

Visit the Support and resources page.