What are your booking, cancellation and payment policies?
PLEASE NOTE: Our policies havechanged to the following as of NOVEMBER 15th, 2024.
Booking appointments will require a valid credit card placed on your account. If you do not have a credit card, please contact reception to learn your options to continue booking.
LATE CANCELLATIONS: You can change or cancel an appointment within 48 hours of your appointment time without penalty. If it is within 48 hours there will be a $25 fee charged to your account.
NO SHOWS: If you miss an appointment, the following will apply: (NOTE: Same day cancellations are considered no-shows)
First Time: $0 (life happens) 2nd time: $25 3rd time: $50 4th time: Full Appointment Price
We will remove the fee if we are able to fill your spot!
REMEMBER to update your appointment reminders to 48 hours notice to avoid unwanted fees and allow time for rescheduling! Let us know if you would like us to do that for you.
If fees and balances remain unpaid beyond 60 days, they will be processed through your credit card or deposit on file. With no valid credit card or deposit on your account, booking and direct billing services will be delayed until this is resolved.
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE: Due to the preparation required for Functional Medicine Comprehensive Consults with Donna Rasplica, IFMCP, appointments will need to be rescheduled/ cancelled ONE WEEK before the original appointment time to avoid fees. A $50 fee will be charged if you reschedule/ cancel within this timeframe. Not showing up to your initial Functional Medicine Comprehensive Consultaion appointment will have the cost of the appointment charged to your account.
Contact reception by phone or email if you have any questions or concerns. We are here to help ensure a smooth transition and continue providing you excellent care! 250-833-5899
Are your practitioners Registered?
Yes. All of our practitioners our registered. We have new graduates at times, in this case their registration status will be clearly stated and a lower rate applied to their treatment.
Our Acupuncturists are registered with College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia (CTCMA). The CTCMA is BC’s only governing body for the practice of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Acupuncturists are required to successfully complete 2 years (60 credits) of university education in liberal arts or sciences and must also earn an acupuncture diploma from an approved program in BC, completing 4-5 years of education. Practitioners may continue their training to become an Herbalist (Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner) and a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Acupuncturists are required to participate in ongoing training and education to ensure their skill remain current and relevant.
Our Registered Massage Therapists are registered with the College of Massage Therapy of BC and have the highest standards in North America after completing a rigorous three year training program. All Registered Massage Therapists are required to participate in ongoing training and education to ensure their skill remain current and relevant.
Manual Osteopathic Practitioners can be registered with Osteopathy BC and have different requirements.
Do I need a Doctor’s Referral?
You do not need a doctor’s referral for your initial visit unless your Extended Health Plan requires one. Patients are responsible for having referrals in place with insurers and our clinic prior to appointments to access direct billing services. Please note that insurance plans vary and it is the patients responsibility to know the dtails and requirments of the plan.
If your therapist anticipates a prolonged session of treatments they will ask you to visit your doctor to obtain a referral.
Am I covered under BC Medical?
British Columbians that qualify for Supplemental Benefits (based on the previous year’s income) can claim part of their visit to a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered Massage Therapist. The Medical Services Plan (MSP) will contribute up to $23 per visit, for up to ten total visits (all modalities) per calendar year. Patients will be responsible for any costs above this amount or rejected claims.
Please enter your Personal Health Number into your intake form if you would like us to submit this for you.
Am I covered under my Employer’s Extended Health Benefits Plan?
Some British Columbians have extended health benefits through a workplace group insurance plan. Coverage varies, often with an annual or per appointment ceiling amount. Sometimes a doctor’s referral is also required for submission and reimbursement of claims. Check with your plan ahead of time and please inform reception if you would like us to direct bill for you. We require a credit card on file in our fully encrypted system provided by JaneApp for direct billing services.
Do you accept WCB claims?
We do not direct bill WCB claims at our clinic.
Do you accept ICBC claims?
With a valid ICBC Claim number, ICBC is allowing 12 preauthorized treatments (acupuncture and massage) available within the first 12 weeks following the claimants crash. If your practitioner feels you would benefit from more treatments, an extension could be requested for review from the ICBC Claims Specialist.
If you have an active ICBC claim be sure to inform the front desk when booking so that we can direct you to one of our practitioners that accept ICBC clients. Past claims that have expired will need to be preapproved by your adjuster. Please let reception know if yours is an old claim and allow time for this approval process.
Please have the following information ready when booking an initial ICBC appointment: claim number, date of accident, your claim specialist’s name and contact information.
Do you accept RCMP/Veteran’s Affairs (DVA) ?
Veterans and RCMP members are usually covered for acupuncture and massage therapy, but coverage amounts and prescription requirements may differ. Please call our office well in advance to allow our front staff time to get pre-approvals, prescriptions in place (annual renewal is required) and to see if there are any additional requirements that Medavie needs for your approval. We can direct bill to Medavie Blue Cross for RCMP and Veterans only.
What should I expect at my first visit?
All Patients will need to complete a medical history intake and consent for the modality they are coming for prior to your scheduled appointment time. Your practitioner will also take you through a thorough assessment of your current condition or injury. These are vital steps in your treatment as your therapist uses this information to formulate a treatment plan for you. It is very important to provide the practitioner with as much information as possible, even if it doesn’t seem immediately relevant.
After your examination, the hands on portion of the treatment will begin. You will be properly draped (covered) for privacy with only the immediate area being treated uncovered. During the hands on portion, your practitioner will check to make sure you are comfortable with both the environment and the treatment.
It is common for your practitioner to take a moderate approach during the first visit to determine your body’s response. Be sure to let your practitioner know if anything feels uncomfortable or painful, and feel free to ask questions before, during, or after your treatment.
Your practitioner’s goal is rehabilitation and prevention and they will discuss and provide direction to you on such topics as exercise, posture, stretching and other areas of self care.
What do I wear to an appointment?
Your regular clothes are fine. You may be asked to partially disrobe but you will be properly covered for privacy and comfort if this is necessary. If you are not comfortable with this, please let your practitioner know and care can be modified. Osteopathy does not usually require this so wearing stretchy or loose clothing may be helpful.
Let us know if you have any other questions. acuhealthoffice@telus.net or 250-833-5899
