In Alberta, protocols have been established for the diagnosis and treatment of injuries associated with motor vehicle collisions. These protocols ensure that individuals with minor injuries including WAD (whiplash associated disorder), sprains and strains do not have to wait for approval from their insurance company before starting treatment. Physiotherapists as primary care practitioners can notify insurers of the claim and start treatment right away. If you have been involved in a car accident, attend a primary care practitioner (such as a physiotherapist) within 10 days of your accident to start the claim. You will not be billed out of pocket for the treatments of minor injuries. Research shows that when treatment is started right away, chronic problems can be avoided and injuries recover much more quickly. Major injuries such as broken bones, head injuries, neurological damage and severe sprains and strains are billed differently but most often, injuries fall into the “minor” category. Physiotherapists at Bonavista Physical Therapy have extensive training and are able diagnose minor vs major injuries. The initial assessment is always covered by your Vehicle Insurance regardless of who was at fault in the accident. If you would like more information, please give our office a call and we can answer your questions. If you have been involved in an accident, don’t delay treatment – even if you think it’s not that bad, come in, get an assessment and get some guidance on how to manage.