If you suffer a workplace injury, WorkSafeNB covers the cost of approved treatments like physiotherapy and chiropractic care. By choosing a WorkSafeNB-approved clinic in New Brunswick that offers direct billing, you pay $0 CAD out of pocket for your recovery sessions.
Recovering from a workplace injury in New Brunswick should be about healing, not stressing over medical bills. When you injure your back on a construction site or suffer a repetitive strain injury at an office in Fredericton, timely physical rehabilitation is crucial. Fortunately, the provincial workers’ compensation system is designed to fully fund the medical care required to help you return to work safely.
To make the process seamless, WorkSafeNB partners with a massive network of healthcare providers, including physiotherapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists. 📖 Understanding how to navigate this network ensures you get the treatment you need without having to drain your personal savings or wait weeks for reimbursement cheques to arrive in the mail.
Step-by-Step Process to Access Approved Treatment in New Brunswick
Getting your physiotherapy covered is not automatic; you must follow the correct reporting procedures. 📍 Skipping steps or visiting an unapproved clinic can result in WorkSafeNB refusing to pay for your sessions. Here is exactly what you need to do.
Step 1: Report Your Injury and Get a Claim Number
Before any clinic will treat you under workers’ compensation, you must officially report your injury. Tell your employer immediately and fill out the Form 67 (Report of Accident or Occupational Disease). Once your claim is registered with WorkSafeNB, you will receive a unique Claim Number. This number is your golden ticket for medical billing.
Step 2: Get a Medical Referral
While some clinics allow direct booking, WorkSafeNB generally requires a referral from your treating family doctor or a walk-in clinic physician. 👨⚐️ Ask your doctor to prescribe physiotherapy or chiropractic care and ensure they submit their medical report (Medical Form 8-10, or Chiropractor Form 8-10 for chiropractors) directly to WorkSafeNB to validate that the treatment is medically necessary for your specific injury.
Step 3: Choose a WorkSafeNB-Approved Clinic
Not every physiotherapy clinic in Moncton or Saint John is set up to bill the government directly. You must find a clinic that is an authorized WorkSafeNB service provider. You can usually find these by asking the clinic directly when you call, or by checking the provider directory. When booking your first appointment, provide them with your Claim Number.
Step 4: Begin Your Treatment Plan
During your first visit, the physiotherapist will assess your injury and send an initial report to WorkSafeNB proposing a treatment plan. 📝 WorkSafeNB typically approves treatment in “blocks” (e.g., 6 weeks of therapy). The clinic will bill the government directly for these sessions, meaning you can focus entirely on your physical rehabilitation.
How Much Does it Cost in New Brunswick?
The primary benefit of the WorkSafeNB system is that it protects workers from the financial fallout of workplace accidents. If your claim is accepted and your treatment is approved, your personal costs should be zero.
- Approved Physiotherapy Sessions: $0 CAD out of pocket. The clinic uses direct billing to charge WorkSafeNB for the approved hourly rates.
- Chiropractic and Massage Therapy: $0 CAD, provided these specific treatments are prescribed by your doctor and approved by your WorkSafeNB case manager.
- Travel Expenses: If you must travel at least 40 km one way to see an approved specialist or therapist, WorkSafeNB may reimburse your mileage and parking costs under Policy 21-220.
| Billing Method | Your Cost | Clinic Action |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Billing (Approved Clinic) | $0 CAD | Clinic invoices WorkSafeNB directly |
| Pay Upfront (Unapproved Clinic) | $80 – $120+ CAD per session | You must submit receipts for review |
How Long Does the Coverage Last?
WorkSafeNB does not provide open-ended, unlimited physiotherapy. ⌛ Coverage is strictly tied to your recovery progress and your eventual return to work. Initially, your case manager may approve a standard block of treatment lasting 4 to 6 weeks.
As you near the end of that block, your physiotherapist must submit a progress report. If you are healing well but need more time, WorkSafeNB will usually authorize an extension. However, if your condition has “plateaued” (meaning further treatment will not improve your physical state), WorkSafeNB will formally conclude your active treatment benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can my employer force me to use their preferred clinic?
No. Under New Brunswick law, you have the right to choose your own treating health care professionals, as long as they are recognized and approved providers under the WorkSafeNB system.
What if my claim is pending but I need physiotherapy now?
If your claim is still under investigation, you may have to pay for the sessions upfront or use your personal health insurance. If WorkSafeNB later accepts your claim, you can submit your receipts for full reimbursement.
Will WorkSafeNB pay for acupuncture or massage therapy?
Yes, but only if your treating physician explicitly prescribes them as medically necessary to treat your specific workplace injury, and your WorkSafeNB case manager pre-approves the treatment plan.
What happens if I miss my physiotherapy appointments?
Consistently missing appointments without a valid medical reason can jeopardize your entire claim. WorkSafeNB requires you to actively participate in your recovery program to continue receiving wage-loss benefits.
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