(604) 876-9977 | info@backsinaction.ca

Telehealth Appointments Available for Physiotherapy, Kinesiology, Chiropratic and Counselling Appointments

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth appointments use your computer, tablet, or smartphone to connect with a therapist in real-time using a secure one-to-one connection. You will be able to see and interact with your therapist live on video as if you were at the clinic. Your therapist will also be able to see you.

A virtual appointment – also known as Telehealth – is great when barriers prevent you from coming into Backs in Action for an in-person session, such as during a pandemic. Telehealth empowers you to still have a 1-to-1 session with your therapist without leaving your home or office. It also, importantly, allows for the continuity of your care if you’re suffering from acute pain or injury or have a WorksafeBC or ICBC claim.

Telehealth appointments share many of the same benefits as face-to-face sessions. You continue to work directly with your therapist to discuss, assess and diagnose problems in the same way you would at the clinic. Your therapist will help you manage your condition and alleviate its symptoms by providing you with techniques, exercises, stretches and activities.

You can book your Telehealth appointment here.

How can Telehealth Help?

In many cases, initial appointments and follow-up sessions can be done via Telehealth.

During a virtual session, our therapists will:

  • Assess and diagnose your problem
  • Listen to your concerns while providing their full attention and reassurances
  • Explain how to best manage your pain and as well as your broader condition
  • Empower you with exercises, stretches and techniques to help alleviate your symptoms and let you know what activities might worsen your pain or injury
  • Provide education and equip you with self-management techniques
  • Help you develop a home exercise program
  • Develop a treatment plan and follow-up schedule
  • Recommend necessary equipment that you may need
  • Refer and direct you to other services where appropriate

Conditions that may benefit from virtual treatments include

  • Muscle strains and tightness
  • Joint sprains
  • Back, neck and shoulder pain
  • Tendonitis
  • Jaw pain including TMJ
  • Post-Surgical Pain
  • Osteoporosis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Scoliosis
  • Plantar fascitiis
  • Ergonomic Evaluations
  • Postural Concerns and Evaluation
  • Vestibular and Balance Concerns
  • Help with stress management
  • Coping with anxiety or sleep disturbances

How do I get started with Telehealth?

To get started with your Telehealth appointment, you can either:

Telehealth FAQ

What services do you offer via Telehealth?

Backs in Action offers a number of its appointments via Telehealth. These include Chiropractic Care, Physiotherapy, Kinesiology and Active Rehab as well as Counselling Services.

Are Telehealth appointments covered by ICBC and WorkSafeBC?

Yes. As of mid-March 2020, both ICBC and WorkSafeBC have determined that appointments related to Motor Vehicle Accidents or work-related injuries covered by them are eligible for Telehealth. This applies to existing and new claims. These have been approved until further notice.

Are Telehealth appointments covered by Extended Health Insurance?

Many Extended Health Insurance companies have recognized the value of Telehealth in providing care to their patients. To date, Manulife, Pacific Blue Cross (PBC), Greenshield, Canada Life (Great West Life), Sunlife, Medavie Blue Cross cover most Telehealth appointments. Many other companies are considering Telehealth coverage and hopefully will be added soon.

Do you Direct Bill for Telehealth Appointments?

Yes. We can direct bill to Manulife, Pacific Blue Cross (PBC), Greenshield, Canada Life (Great West Life), Sunlife, Medavie Blue Cross as well as ICBC and WorkSafeBC on your behalf.

Many smaller insurance providers that don’t accept direct billing are also covering Telehealth appointments. Please check with your provider to see if you’re covered.

When is Telehealth a Good Option?

Telehealth is great for when you can’t attend an appointment at the clinic, including during a pandemic. But there are many other reasons. Telehealth appointments are useful for those with:

  • Restricted mobility
  • Limited transportation options
  • Limiting work schedules
  • Young families or with children at home
  • Extended travel/time away from home
  • Rural settings with no clinic nearby
  • Poor weather conditions
  • An illness, in self-isolation or under quarantine
  • Illness/self-isolation/quarantine

When is this service available? Are they available on the evenings and weekends too?

Our therapists have available appointments Monday to Saturday from 9am – 7pm. Book in whenever is convenient for you! If our schedule doesn’t match yours, email us and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Who has access to Telehealth Appointments?

We can provide Telehealth services, and bill to insurance, for patients located in British Columbia. If you are located out of province, you’re welcome to pay privately so you can still access the care you may need.

How Does Telehealth Work?

Before Your Appointment

1. Schedule your appointment

Book online, phone 604-876-9977, or email info@backsinaction.ca.

2. If you are new patient, you will be asked to fill out an intake form by email as soon as your appointment is booked.

The intake form will ask you for your contact details, questions about your health as well as for your extended health insurance details so that we can direct bill for your appointment.

At the Time of Your Appointment

3. Sign into the Backs in Action Booking Site at your appointment time through the email that will be sent to you.

Log in a few minutes before your scheduled appointment so you’re ready.

4. Agree to the Telehealth Consent

Before your appointment can start, you will be asked to consent to conducting your appointment via Telehealth. Once this is done your appointment will start and you will be able to see your therapist.

Tips to Optimize Your Appointment

Set up your device so you are hands free, as you will likely need to move during your appointment

Have enough space to move around but still be in view of the camera on your device

Headphones with a mic can improve sound quality, but are not required

If you have balance issues, or are at risk of falling, plan to have a helper available to assist

What You Need

An internet connection

A computer, tablet or smartphone with a camera, speakers and mic

For instructions on how to connect, click here. For patients who are connecting with and iPad or iPhone, please follow these instructions. If you want to test your connection ahead of your appointment, you can follow the instructions here.