April 3, 2020: Tele-rehabilitation updates and resources

Please note the correct link for SCPT’s Release of Patient Information guideline (regarding HIPA, PIPEDA, etc.) is provided below. A different link was included in the eblast we sent April 2 (“Correction regarding April 1 SGI update”) and the correct link is:
https://www.scpt.org/document/3578/Practice_Guideline_8_Release_of_Patient_Information.pdf

Practice Resources

The School of Rehabilitation Science and CERS in partnership with the SCPT have provided a recording of the webinar and a comprehensive resource document including privacy legislation, options for tools, regulatory guidelines and references:
https://rehabscience.usask.ca/cers/documents/telerehabilitation-resource-document_final1.pdf

The Physiotherapy Association of BC has offered to share a comprehensive virtual care toolkit with SPA members. The toolkit can be access using the following link:
https://bcphysio.org/media/804/download
Please note the need to consult local regulations and requirements as there are differences between Saskatchewan and BC.

Insurance Coverage for Tele-Rehabilitation

Updates from SGI and WCB during COVID -19 are posted as they become available here:
http://saskphysio.org/information-on-covid-19

Most health insurance plans (that cover physiotherapy) cover telehealth physiotherapy services. It is important to direct patients to check with their insurance provider directly as the plans can vary and the specific amount of coverage can differ. The following information has been provided to SPA:

Sunlife:
Covering virtual services for appointments with PTs:
https://physiotherapy.ca/sites/default/files/covid_wave_2_basic_en.pdf

Canada Life and 3S Health Statement:
“Many providers have started offering their services virtually, to support people who still need these services. After reviewing provincial guidelines around each practitioner, we will accept receipts for virtual appointments from several providers (includes physiotherapists). These are all subject to plan provisions, and usual reasonable and customary amounts.”

Saskatchewan Blue Cross Statement:
“In the case of physiotherapists, we can confirm virtual appointments will be considered a covered expense under the available health benefit provisions for paramedical/health practitioners, provided the practitioner is a licensed physiotherapist in their jurisdiction.”

Liability Insurance

The Professional Liability Insurance through the CPA Member Insurance Program has no restrictions in relation to delivering professional services via tele-rehabilitation, as long as the PT is working within their scope of practice and resides in Canada. A resource outlining several key considerations, including liability insurance, may be found here:
https://physiotherapy.ca/bms-group-virtual-health-care-resource

SCPT's regulatory guideline for tele-rehabilitation is included here:
https://www.scpt.org/document/3571/Practice_Guideline_24_Telerehabilitation.pdf

Gowling WLG and BMS Group partners collaborated on a telehealth consent form for PTs transitioning to virtual care. You can find that resource here: https://physiotherapy.ca/sites/default/files/covid-19_telehealth_consent_form_cpa_0.pdf

Upcoming Panel Discussion

SPA will be hosting a panel discussion virtually at 10:00 a.m. on April 25 prior to the AGM. The panelists are as follows:

Dr. Stacey Lovo: Faculty member, School of Rehabilitation Science, University of Saskatchewan; reseacher in telerehabilitation and access to culturally responsive care
Dr. Brenna Bath: Faculty member, School of Rehabilitation Science, U of S; research includes access to health care for underserved populations and musculoskeletal health
Jeremy McAllister: eHealth manager for PABC and Program Manager for the Program for Excellence in Telerehabilitation Education and Research at UBC
Greg Sutton: Founder / CEO of TinyEYE Therapy Services
Natasha Wilch, PT, telehealth clinician and clinic owner, Symphony Rehabilitation