One of the most common questions we hear from car accident patients at Artemis Wellness Clinic is how long ICBC will cover their treatment. The short answer: within the first 12 weeks after a crash, ICBC pre-approves a set number of treatments for several types of care; after that, with ICBC approval, treatment can continue to be covered as long as it is medically necessary and contributing to your recovery. But there are important details you should understand about how this works in practice.
Pre-Approved Treatments and Beyond
Within the first 12 weeks after a crash, ICBC pre-approves up to 12 RMT, 12 acupuncture, 25 physiotherapy, 25 chiropractic and 12 kinesiology treatments. You do not need a doctor’s referral or ICBC approval to start them — bring your ICBC claim number and BC Personal Health Number (PHN). Treatment beyond these limits or after 12 weeks needs ICBC approval, and coverage is then based on medical necessity — meaning your treatment must be related to your accident injuries and must be producing measurable improvement. We bill ICBC directly for your pre-approved treatments. If part of a fee is not covered by ICBC (a user fee), we tell you before your treatment.
How ICBC Determines Treatment Duration
Your treatment providers are responsible for documenting your injuries, treatment plan, and progress. ICBC reviews this information periodically. Beyond the pre-approved treatments, ICBC generally approves further treatment when your injuries are ongoing and documented, your treatment is producing improvement, your treatment plan is reasonable and clinically appropriate, and the treatment is directly related to your car accident injuries.
At Artemis, our practitioners maintain detailed records of your progress and communicate with ICBC as needed to support your claim.
Typical Treatment Timelines
Every injury is different, but here are general timelines for common car accident injuries treated at our clinic.
Mild whiplash: 4 to 8 weeks of treatment, typically 1 to 2 sessions per week. Moderate whiplash with headaches: 8 to 16 weeks, potentially combining RMT, acupuncture, and physiotherapy. Severe whiplash with neurological symptoms: 4 to 6 months or longer, multidisciplinary treatment. Back injuries: 6 to 12 weeks for muscle strains, longer for disc injuries. Chronic pain development: ongoing treatment may be needed for 6 to 12 months or beyond.
What Happens When Treatment Ends?
When your practitioners determine that you have reached maximum medical improvement — meaning further treatment is unlikely to produce significant additional improvement — your active treatment phase ends. At this point, ICBC may continue to cover periodic maintenance treatment if your condition requires it.
You also have the option of continuing treatment using your extended health insurance benefits or paying privately.
Your Rights Under ICBC Enhanced Care
Under BC’s Enhanced Care model, which has been in effect since May 2021, you have the right to choose your own healthcare providers, access treatment for as long as it is medically necessary, receive income replacement benefits while unable to work, and access vocational rehabilitation if needed.
If you disagree with an ICBC decision about your treatment coverage, you have the right to request a review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ICBC cut off my treatment?
ICBC can adjust coverage if your treatment is no longer producing improvement or is no longer medically necessary. However, this requires clinical justification, and you have the right to appeal.
Does fault matter for treatment duration?
No. Under Enhanced Care, your treatment coverage is the same regardless of who caused the accident.
Can I switch treatment providers during my ICBC claim?
Yes. You can change providers at any time. If you are not satisfied with your current treatment, you are free to come to Artemis.
What if my symptoms come back after treatment ends?
If your symptoms recur, you can request that your ICBC claim be reopened for additional treatment. Contact your ICBC adjuster and your treatment provider.
Start Your ICBC Treatment at Artemis
Call 604-242-2233 or book at artemis.janeapp.com. We are at 5911 No. 3 Rd #130, Richmond BC.
