FAQS
(FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)
WHAT TYPES OF HEALTH INSURANCE DO YOU ACCEPT? DO YOU DIRECT BILL?
Massage Therapy is accepted by all insurance companies and we do direct bill for these services.
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Osteopathic Manual Therapy is accepted by all insurance companies with the exception of Industrial Alliance. We are able to direct bill to many of the insurance companies.
Companies such as Blue Cross, Canada Life, and Sunlife to not allow for direct billing for Osteopathy; however the client can submit the paid receipt and recover funds through manual submission reimbursement.
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Please check with your insurance provider to verify coverage for Osteopathy, Massage Therapy, or Kinesiology. Insurance programs such as ASEBP do not offer a submission category for Osteopathy or Kinesiology; however both are approved to be submit to the Health Spending Account.
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If you are unsatisfied with the process for Osteopathy coverage or lack of direct billing, you as the stakeholder can voice this. We suggested that you put in a 'suggestion' to your HR manager, benefits provider, and/or the insurance provider.
DO I NEED A DOCTOR’S REFERRAL?
In Alberta no doctor referral is required. As noted above most insurance providers do not require a doctor referral for claim submission. Check with your insurance provider to understand the claim submission process and the referral requirements.
WHAT IS MANUAL OSTEOPATHY? ARE THEY DOCTORS?
Manual Osteopaths have advanced training in manual osteopathic practice, but they are not medical doctors and cannot diagnose injury, prescribe medication, or request medical diagnostic. They assess and treat patients using an osteopathic philosophy and manual osteopathic techniques. There are schools located throughout the world, including Canada. Manual Osteopaths are versed in whole body systems, injury and dysfunction and will refer to appropriate health professions to provide the best individual care required.
WHY DO YOU CALL ALL THE TREATMENTS "MANUAL THERAPY" FOR OSTEOPATHY AND MASSAGE?
We use the term "Manual Therapy" to describe our treatments because it reflects the hands-on, therapeutic approach we employ across various disciplines. Practitioners certified in Manual Osteopathy who are not licensed as doctors in Osteopathy are required to use terms like "Manual Therapy" or "Manual Therapist" to ensure clarity and compliance with professional regulations.
Manual Therapy involves skilled, hands-on techniques to assess and treat musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions. These techniques focus on restoring optimal function, alleviating pain, and improving mobility by addressing the root causes of dysfunction. It extends beyond traditional joint and soft tissue manipulation to include other specialized services, such as neurokinetic therapy, applied kinesiology, functional kinesiology and exercise therapy, breathwork, somatic emotional release techniques, visceral mobilization, craniosacral therapy, and active release techniques.
By using the term "Manual Therapy," and referring to the practitioner as a "Manual Therapist" we emphasize the therapist’s expertise and skill set, whether they practice as Massage Therapists, Osteopathic Manual Therapists, or in other specialized disciplines. This term reflects the depth of client care provided and our commitment to addressing the unique needs of each client through a comprehensive and holistic approach.