British Expats - Physio-type doctor in Vancouver

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cllb2

Oct 18th 2013 10:11 pm

Physio-type doctor in Vancouver

This might all sound silly but google and the wiki just arent working for me

I think I have got a trapped nerve in my back. More specifically, I believe this is suprascapula nerve which doesnt tend to go away (I'm not just guessing, Im an osteologist so have at least knowledge of my anatomy)

Thing is, I dont know where to go. I have only ever been to a drop in doc here and dont want to wait on a referral. Is there way to go straight to someone more specialised that is covered by Medicare (or our basic Sunlife insurance).

Its really killing me now, to the point that straightening my spine is not an option. So I'm walking about with my head down!

Any help would be unbelievably appreciated

DaviesHN

Oct 18th 2013 10:28 pm

Re: Physio-type doctor in Vancouver

Ouch!
You don't need a referral to make an apt with a physiotherapist. Just call them.

You will have to pay the cost, $60-$70 per session, & claim back off Sunlife (easy online).

I'm not sure if all Sunlife coverage is the same - I think we get approx. $700 for physio per year Jan-Dec.

Even if you're not covered it sounds like you need it. I'm sure folks on here will recommend a physio if you tell them what area you live in.
Helen

bats	Oct 18th 2013 10:31 pm

Re: Physio-type doctor in Vancouver

Quote:

Originally Posted by cllb2 (Post 10950994)

Find a massage therapist or physiotherapist. The physio should be registered not sure about massage therapists in B C. IMO do NOT go near a chiropractor .

cllb2

Oct 18th 2013 10:32 pm

Re: Physio-type doctor in Vancouver

Great info, thanks so much!

And no, chiropractor isnt even on my radar!

p.s., I'm right in downtown, so pretty central

bats	Oct 18th 2013 10:42 pm

Re: Physio-type doctor in Vancouver

Quote:

Originally Posted by cllb2 (Post 10951016)

Great info, thanks so much!

And no, chiropractor isnt even on my radar!

p.s., I'm right in downtown, so pretty central

I think you need a doctors referral to claim on insurance. If it is brachial plexus the get seen soon.

DaviesHN

Oct 18th 2013 11:06 pm

Re: Physio-type doctor in Vancouver

We didn't need a referral & Sunlife paid happily. Phoning any doctor or physio office will probably answer that question.

I haven't any recommendations for physios in downtown unfortunately.
H

bats	Oct 18th 2013 11:23 pm

Re: Physio-type doctor in Vancouver

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaviesHN (Post 10951046)

We didn't need a referral & Sunlife paid happily. Phoning any doctor or physio office will probably answer that question.

I haven't any recommendations for physios in downtown unfortunately.
H

Must be an Onntario thing then. That's good for the OP

cllb2

Oct 19th 2013 3:40 pm

Re: Physio-type doctor in Vancouver

Thanks all. I waited to see how it would be this morning. But realised when waking up during the night unable to move and in pain that it wasnt improving! Husband is just looking through our sunlife docs and we may phone them as sometimes insurance companies have a list of practitioners (at least the ones I dealt with in the UK often did)

PMM	Oct 19th 2013 4:26 pm

Re: Physio-type doctor in Vancouver

Quote:

Originally Posted by cllb2 (Post 10951685)

There is no list

DaviesHN

Oct 19th 2013 4:58 pm

Re: Physio-type doctor in Vancouver

You can phone Sunlife to confirm you don't need a referral for them to pay up.

You could also go to the walk-in to get a doc to suggest an expert in your particular problem if it's a specialist case.

But you should really get some help, no matter who pays. There are some physios on this list (probably open saturdays) but they're all on westside - I can recommend Treloar

http://www.straight.com/bov/2013

or just google physiotherapist vancouver downtown

As a family we have seen several physios & have found them all very professional and easy to communicate with.

Good luck
H

Amtobi

Oct 19th 2013 5:18 pm

Re: Physio-type doctor in Vancouver

Hi,

I am a physio, but I haven't arrived yet so can't give any personal reccomendations but you could look at the BC physio association's website, they have a find a physio tool.

http://bcphysio.org/content/about-pabc

Hope you're feeling better!

cllb2

Oct 19th 2013 5:46 pm

Re: Physio-type doctor in Vancouver

Thanks to all!

I went to a walk in clinic. I had a cortisone shot and have been prescribed some meds.

For future ref, if this comes up in a search:
MSP covered the walk-in appointment. The cortisone shot was $40, and I claim that from Sunlife after the fact (I paid at the clinic).
I took the prescription for meds to the pharmacy and they took my MSP and Sunlife card and dealt with any deductions before I paid. I then paid a reduced amount for the prescription.

Tootlepootle

Oct 19th 2013 6:05 pm

Re: Physio-type doctor in Vancouver

Quote:

Originally Posted by cllb2 (Post 10950994)

A friend of my who works as a personal trainer recommends this chap:
Allan McGavin. Not sure i am allowed to put his email address on here but google him.

acer rose

Oct 19th 2013 6:32 pm

Re: Physio-type doctor in Vancouver

I've used Hollyburn on the north shore and been happy with them. Phoned them up, got an appointment, no referral necessary (and neither of my insurance companies have had a problem with that). My current physio (well out of town) did some work for Hollyburn and I'm very happy with her.

Downtown, the owner of Sitka also used to do locum work at Hollyburn. I have never used her, or anybody at her clinic though.

No idea whether their specialties match your needs.

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