After a car accident in British Columbia, one of the first things you need to know is how to use your ICBC claim for treatment. The process can feel overwhelming when you are in pain and dealing with the stress of a collision, but it does not have to be complicated. This step-by-step guide explains exactly how to use your ICBC claim for massage therapy, acupuncture, physiotherapy, chiropractic, and kinesiology at Artemis Wellness Clinic in Richmond BC.
The most important thing to understand is that within the first 12 weeks after a crash you do not need a doctor’s referral or ICBC approval to start any of these treatments, and Artemis bills 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. Here is how the ICBC claim process works from start to finish.
Step 1: Get Your ICBC Claim Number
After your car accident, the first step is to report the incident to ICBC. You can do this by calling ICBC, visiting an ICBC claim centre, or filing online. Once your claim is filed, ICBC will assign you a claim number. This number is essential for accessing all of your ICBC-covered treatments in Richmond.
Keep your claim number somewhere accessible because you will need it when you book appointments and when you arrive for your first visit. If you are unsure whether your accident qualifies for ICBC coverage, contact ICBC directly or call Artemis Wellness Clinic and we can help you determine your eligibility.
Step 2: Contact Artemis Wellness Clinic
Once you have your ICBC claim number, the next step is to contact Artemis Wellness Clinic to book your first appointment. Within the first 12 weeks after your crash, you do not need a doctor’s referral or ICBC approval to begin treatment. Under the current ICBC model, you can go directly to a treatment provider and start receiving care right away.
Call us at 604-242-2233 or book online. Let our front desk team know that you have an ICBC claim and which treatments you are interested in. Whether you need ICBC physiotherapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic, or kinesiology, we can schedule your first visit promptly. Artemis is open seven days a week, and walk-ins are welcome.
Step 3: We Verify Your Claim and Handle the Paperwork
When you arrive at Artemis for your first appointment, bring your ICBC claim number, your BC Personal Health Number (PHN) and a piece of identification. Our front desk team will verify your claim with ICBC and set up direct billing on your behalf. You will not need to fill out complicated forms, submit receipts, or manage any paperwork yourself.
Artemis Wellness Clinic bills ICBC directly and has a streamlined process for handling ICBC claims. We verify your coverage, confirm your pre-authorized sessions, and ensure that everything is set up correctly before your treatment begins. For more about our ICBC massage therapy process, read our complete ICBC claims guide.
Step 4: Start Treatment — We Bill ICBC Directly
Once your claim is verified, you can begin treatment immediately. In many cases, patients start their first session on the same day they visit. 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.
Your practitioner will conduct an initial assessment, develop a treatment plan tailored to your injuries, and begin hands-on care. Whether you are seeing our physiotherapist, our acupuncturist Mandy Tam, or one of our registered massage therapists, you can expect thorough, attentive care from your very first visit.
Step 5: If You Need More Sessions
ICBC provides a set number of pre-authorized sessions for each treatment type within the first 12 weeks after your accident. If your recovery requires additional sessions beyond the pre-authorized amount, your practitioner can submit a treatment plan extension request to ICBC. This request explains your ongoing medical need and asks ICBC to approve additional sessions.
ICBC decides each extension request based on the documented medical need. Your Artemis team handles this process for you, documenting your progress and communicating with ICBC on your behalf.
What ICBC Covers at Artemis: Complete Treatment List
Here is a summary of the pre-authorized ICBC treatments available at Artemis Wellness Clinic. We bill ICBC directly; if part of a fee is not covered by ICBC (a user fee), we tell you before your treatment.
| Treatment | Pre-Authorized Sessions | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapy | 25 sessions | Within 12 weeks |
| Chiropractic | 25 sessions | Within 12 weeks |
| Acupuncture | 12 sessions | Within 12 weeks |
| RMT (Massage) | 12 sessions | Within 12 weeks |
| Kinesiology | 12 sessions | Within 12 weeks |
At Artemis, you can use your ICBC claim for any combination of these treatments. For example, you might combine physiotherapy with acupuncture and massage therapy for a comprehensive recovery plan. Because all services are available under one roof, coordinating your care is simple.
One Clinic, All Your ICBC Treatments
Artemis Wellness Clinic offers RMT, Acupuncture and TCM, Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, and Kinesiology under one roof near Richmond Centre. For ICBC patients, this means you do not need to travel between multiple clinics for different treatments. Your entire recovery team is in one location, communicating about your progress and coordinating your care.
At Artemis, we provide an integrated approach to ICBC recovery. Whether you need chiropractic care, WorkSafeBC treatment, or any combination of therapies, we can coordinate your care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using Your ICBC Claim
Do I need a doctor’s referral to use my ICBC claim?
No. Under the current ICBC model, you can contact a treatment provider directly after your accident. Within the first 12 weeks after your crash, no doctor’s referral or ICBC approval is needed for the pre-approved treatments listed above; bring your claim number and BC PHN.
How soon after my accident should I start treatment?
We recommend starting treatment as soon as possible, ideally within the first week or two. Starting early may help lower the risk of an acute injury becoming a long-term problem, and it makes the most of your 12-week pre-authorized treatment window.
Can I see multiple practitioners under the same ICBC claim?
Yes. Your ICBC claim covers all five treatment types listed above. You can see a physiotherapist, acupuncturist, massage therapist, chiropractor, and kinesiologist all under the same claim. At Artemis, all of these services are available in one clinic.
What if I was not at fault in the accident?
ICBC coverage for treatment is available regardless of fault. Under the no-fault insurance model in BC, all accident victims have access to pre-authorized healthcare benefits, including the treatments listed above.
Does Artemis accept walk-ins for ICBC patients?
Yes. Artemis Wellness Clinic is open seven days a week and welcomes walk-in ICBC patients. You can also book in advance online or by phone.
Book Your ICBC Appointment Today
Using your ICBC claim for treatment does not have to be stressful. At Artemis Wellness Clinic, we make the ICBC claim process simple and handle all the paperwork so you can focus on recovery. With five treatment types under one roof and direct billing to ICBC, Artemis makes the ICBC claim process in Richmond straightforward.
Book your ICBC appointment online or call us at 604-242-2233.
Artemis Wellness Clinic is located at 130-5911 No. 3 Road, Richmond BC, V6X 0K9, just steps from Richmond Centre. We are open seven days a week, and walk-ins are always welcome.
