The following are some of the questions that I am frequently asked.
Q: What does my first visit involve?
A: Please bring copies of test results or any other applicable related medical paperwork i.e. if you have a doctor’s referral, please bring it. Please bring or wear clothing appropriate for the area, which may involve exercise or needling. You will be asked to change into a T-shirt or tank top for neck, shoulder pain and loose capris or shorts for low back pain, hips, knees, ankles and feet. I will fill out paperwork which addresses treatment choice, consent to treatment and fees. You will have the chance to review the privacy policy.
I will do a comprehensive assessment of your condition, which includes your health history and a physical examination. You will review your goals of treatment. Often I ask clients to walk in the clinic area while I observe and analyze gait. The first visit includes assessment and the start of treatment. Typically you will be here for 60 minutes. For complex cases with long stories, assessment may need to continue into future sessions.
Q: What happens when I have more than one body area for which I am seeking treatment?
A: I assess and treat one area at a time. Some areas are related i.e. shoulder pain may be pain radiating from the neck and as such is one area. When there are distinctly separate areas for example a shoulder and a knee or lower back for example, you can choose which area you would like to begin with. The second area will require a future assessment and treatment.
Q: Can you treat me more holistically?
A: Yes. If you are coming for chronic pain or for an exercise program such as for posture or osteoporosis I will address more than one area at a time after assessment. My approach is to look at and integrate the whole person or being.
Q: Do I need to be referred by a doctor?
A: No. Most therapists are self-regulated professionals. If needed, I work closely and communicate with family medicine practitioners, sports medicine doctors, surgeons and specialists. If I am concerned about your condition, I will advise you to see your medical doctor. If it is necessary I will communicate with your doctor via a phone call, fax, email or a note that you can bring yourself.
Q: Can you order my X-rays or MRI?
Legislation for therapists ordering MRI’s or x-rays began a few years ago. It is still a work in progress. I cannot as of yet order diagnostic imaging or x-rays.
Q: can you give me a paper to stop working?
A: No I cannot sign a paper for you to stop working. This needs to be done by your family physician or specialist.
Q: Will my visit be covered by insurance or by OHIP?
Treatment by a registered therapist is included in most health care benefits. You need to check your own insurance policy as they vary from one case to the other. You may need a referral from a medical doctor for insurance purposes. I am not covered by OHIP.
Q: What kinds of conditions do you treat?
A: I treat most problems related to general and particular problems in the musculoskeletal (bones and muscles, joints), vascular (blood, lymph), neurological (nerve, hormone), dermatological (skin) and visceral (organ) systems in relation to the application of physical therapies and alternative health care therapies.
Q: Can you bill my insurance directly?
A: My policy is that you pay for your treatments. You have to bill your insurance company yourself for reimbursement.
Q: I have been in a car accident or a bicycle/pedestrian car accident. What do I do?
A: Same policy applies. You pay for your treatments and you bill your (or other) insurance company for reimbursement. In exceptional cases of financial distress you can pay me after you have received your treatment reimbursement from your (or other) insurance company.
Q: Do you bill WSIB directly?
A: No, although anyone can come for treatment and pay for services according to my fee schedule. However, I do have a WSIB number and can claim directly if needed.
Q: Will you fill out forms that are required for work, school or camp?
A: Yes. There are related fees, which vary according to the complexity of the form. Typically the fees run from $40 to $100.
Q: How do I book an appointment?
A: Please call or text the clinic at 613 724 2820. If I am unable to answer the phone I will make every effort to return your call as soon as possible.
Q: What is your fee schedule?
A: My fee schedule is $90 for one hour and $50 for half an hour. This includes 13% HST. For patients with financial distress I use a sliding scale according to affordability.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: A no show without a 24 hours notice or reason pays $50.
Q: Are you covered by insurance?
A: Most registered therapists are covered by the health care insurance. The policies of reimbursement vary from insurance to insurance. You need to ask your insurance provider for details.
I am covered as a registered massage therapist (College of Massage Therapists of Ontario), a registered acupuncturist (College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario) and a registered naturopath (Association of Naturopaths and Naturotherapists of Quebec). I am a member of the CMAAC acupuncture association.