WCB & MVA Claims Explained: Physiotherapy After a Work or Car Injury

A step-by-step guide to getting physiotherapy after a workplace injury or car accident in Alberta, with the paperwork handled by our team.

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WCB and MVA Claims Explained: Physiotherapy After a Work or Car Injury

If you were hurt at work in Alberta, physiotherapy is generally covered through an accepted WCB-Alberta claim. If you were injured in a car accident, treatment is generally covered under Alberta’s Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols and Section B accident benefits. At Next Step Physio & Neurorehab Clinic in Edmonton, we bill these insurers directly and help with the forms.

This page explains how each process works, what you need to do, and what to expect at the clinic. Our Millwoods clinic sees WCB and motor vehicle accident patients, and no doctor’s referral is needed to book.

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Physiotherapy after a work injury (WCB-Alberta)

The Workers’ Compensation Board of Alberta covers treatment for injuries that arise out of and in the course of your employment. To use it:

Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible
Submit a Worker’s Report of Injury to WCB-Alberta, online or by phone
See a doctor or physiotherapist, who will submit their own report

Once WCB accepts the claim, physiotherapy is authorized for a period and can be extended based on progress reports. We submit the initial assessment report, treatment plans and progress reports to WCB on your behalf and bill them directly, so approved visits usually cost you nothing out of pocket. Treatment may include hands-on care, exercise, work-conditioning and guidance on a safe return to modified or full duties. We communicate with your WCB case manager and, with your consent, your employer about return-to-work planning.

Physiotherapy after a car accident (MVA)

In Alberta, people injured in a motor vehicle accident can access treatment under two related mechanisms:

Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols (DTPR): for sprains, strains and whiplash-associated disorders, a set number of physiotherapy or other treatment sessions is available within a set period after the accident, without needing your insurer’s pre-approval. A physiotherapist can complete the initial assessment and start treatment.
Section B accident benefits: your own auto insurance policy includes medical and rehabilitation benefits that may cover treatment beyond the protocols, including for injuries that fall outside them, subject to policy limits and insurer approval.

You need your claim number, the accident date and your insurer’s details. We complete the required assessment forms, send them to your insurer, and bill the insurer directly where possible. If your case involves a lawyer, we can provide reports with your consent. Coverage amounts and session counts depend on your policy and the protocols in force, so we do not quote figures here.

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How to get started, step by step

The process is similar for both types of claim. Here is what to do.

Report the injury:

Tell your employer and WCB-Alberta about a work injury, or report the accident to police (if required) and your auto insurer for a car injury.

Get a claim number:

WCB or your auto insurer will issue a claim number. Keep it handy along with the date of injury.

Book your assessment:

Call either Next Step clinic and tell reception it is a WCB or MVA claim. Bring your claim number and identification.

Initial assessment and forms:

Your physiotherapist assesses you, explains your injury and completes the required reports for WCB or your insurer.

Treatment begins:

Treatment usually starts at the first visit. We bill the insurer directly and track authorized visits.

Progress reports and return to activity:

We send progress updates as required and work toward your return to work, driving and daily life.

If a claim is delayed, denied or under review, we will explain your options, which may include using extended health benefits or paying directly while the claim is resolved.

When to seek medical care first

After any accident, get medical attention right away if you have a head injury with confusion, vomiting or worsening headache; chest or abdominal pain; numbness or weakness in the arms or legs; loss of bladder or bowel control; a suspected fracture; or a deep wound. Emergency departments and urgent care are the right first stop for these.

For most sprains, strains, whiplash and soft-tissue injuries, starting physiotherapy early is commonly recommended. Your physiotherapist will screen for anything that needs a doctor and will refer you if needed. Keeping a simple record of symptoms and missed work days is helpful for your claim.

Book WCB or MVA physiotherapy in Edmonton

We see work injury and car accident patients at Next Step Physio & Neurorehab Clinic in Millwoods (Suite 106A, 7319-29 Avenue NW). No referral is needed, and we direct-bill WCB-Alberta, auto insurers and many major extended health plans. Call reception with your claim number and we will take it from there.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ

WCB claims

Do I have to pay for physiotherapy under WCB?

Once your claim is accepted and treatment is authorized, we bill WCB-Alberta directly and approved visits usually cost you nothing.

Can I choose my own physiotherapy clinic?

In general, yes. WCB-Alberta allows you to attend a clinic of your choice for standard physiotherapy. Some cases are directed to specific programs.

What if my claim has not been accepted yet?

You can still be assessed. We can bill your extended health plan or you can pay directly and seek reimbursement once the claim is accepted, depending on WCB's decision.

Will you talk to my employer?

Only with your consent, and usually about return-to-work planning and modified duties.

How long will WCB cover treatment?

Authorization is for a set period and is extended based on progress reports. We keep you informed about where your claim stands.

Car accident claims

Do I need my insurer's approval before starting physiotherapy?

Under the Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols, treatment for sprains, strains and whiplash can begin without pre-approval, within a set window after the accident. We handle the forms.

What if my injuries are not covered by the protocols?

Section B accident benefits through your own auto insurer may cover treatment, subject to policy limits and approval. We can help you apply.

Who pays if the accident was my fault?

Section B benefits are through your own policy regardless of fault, so treatment can still be covered.

Do I need a lawyer?

Not to receive treatment. If you have one, we can provide reports and records with your consent.

Can I use my extended health plan too?

Sometimes, particularly if the insurer's coverage is exhausted. Generally the auto insurer is billed first; ask reception about your situation.

Related services at Next Step:

Available at our Millwoods clinic in Edmonton. Book an appointment.