ICBC Coverage for Acupuncture
As of April 1, 2019, ICBC now offers 12 acupuncture treatments within the first 12 weeks of your Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) date. One of the most common injuries that occur because of a MVA is whiplash or whiplash associated disorder, which can lead to minor injuries and major injuries. Neck stiffness, neck pain and/or some musculoskeletal signs including a limited range of motion in the neck are all classified under the minor injury category.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of stainless, disposable needles into certain points in the body called acupoints. Acupuncture has proved to be very effective when the MVA injuries are in the acute stage. Therefore, as soon as you get into a MVA accident, it is recommended to utilize acupuncture first to help reduce inflammation, relax the muscles, promote the circulation of fresh oxygenated blood to the injured areas and as a result accelerate the process of recovery. In addition, acupuncture helps to get rid of the stress and the anxiety associated with the trauma (MVA) that occurs post-accident. The trauma can impact people who experience motor vehicle accidents, which includes frustration, depression, anxiety, and more. In acupuncture treatments, we focus on both physical and emotional-cognitive aspects of injuries.
At Zahra Acupuncture Clinic, we combine trigger points with acupuncture points to relax, relieve pain and loosen tight muscles on the neck and upper back. The trigger points are knots of deoxygenated blood that are painful under pressure and result in discomfort. Acupuncture needles are used to de-activate these knots, aid in healing and recovery, and restore the circulation of blood in the tight muscles.
Some of the other injuries that occur because of a MVA are lower back, knees, hips, arms, and shoulder pains. Acupuncture has a very significant role in relieving pain especially when it is performed in the earlier stage of the injury. Therefore, we highly recommend you seek treatment as soon as possible.
When visiting Zahra Acupuncture Clinic, ensure you have documents that show the date of your MVA, your care card number, and your ICBC claim number. There is no payment needed up front. Additionally, you do not need a referral from your family physician. ICBC will reimburse us for the first 12 sessions of your acupuncture treatments within the first three months of your MVA date. Terms apply after April 1, 2019.