Adjusting to life in Canada can be challenging, and health concerns shouldn’t be one of them. If you are a refugee, asylum seeker, or newcomer covered under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), you can access physiotherapy at no cost to you.
PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR REFUGEES IN NORTH YORK - COVERED UNDER IFHP
Questions? Click to call: (437) 494-4888
THE INTERIM FEDERAL HEALTH PROGRAM (IFHP) COVERS PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR REFUGEES.
WHAT IS THE INTERIM FEDERAL HEALTH PROGRAM (IFHP)?
The IFHP provides temporary healthcare coverage to:
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Refugee claimants
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Resettled refugees
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Asylum seekers
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Some eligible newcomers without provincial health coverage
This program covers medically necessary physiotherapy services, including assessment and treatment, when prescribed by a physician or nurse practitioner.
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The IFHP does not:
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cover the cost of health care services or products that a person may claim (even in part) under a public or private health insurance plan.
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coordinate benefits with other insurance plans or programs, so co-payments aren’t possible.
HOW TO GET PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR REFUGEES UNDER THE IFHP IN NORTH YORK?
Below is a step-by-step process to get physiotherapy services under the IFHP:
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Step 1: OBTAIN A REFERRAL
Obtain a referral from your doctor or nurse practitioner. If you don't have a doctor or NP, call us and we can direct you to proper community resources.
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Step 2: CONTACT BETTERFORM PHYSIOTHERAPY IN NORTH YORK
Call our clinic at (437) 494-4888 to book an appointment. During your visit, we will determine your eligibility by asking if you have one of the following documents:
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Refugee Protection Claimant Document (RPCD) (with photo)
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Interim Federal Health Program Certificate (IFHC) (With or Without a Photo)
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Acknowledgement of Claim form (AOC)
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Refugee Protection Identity Document (RPID)
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We will also ask for your UCI (unique client identification) number.
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Next, we will confirm your identity by requesting for an immigration document that has a photo or a government-issued identification that has a photo.
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Step 3: WE WILL HANDLE ALL THE PRE-APPROVAL PROCESS FOR YOU
We will contact Medavie Blue Cross and get approval for your physiotherapy needs. This might take a few days
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Step 4: START YOUR PHYSIOTHERAPY SESSIONS AT OUR CLINIC
Once approved, we will contact you to book your first physiotherapy visit - at no cost to you.
DOES IFHP COVER PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR REFUGEES?
Yes. The IFHP provides coverage for physiotherapy assessment and treatment for conditions that require physiotherapy.
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This service falls under the Supplemental Coverage of the IFHP within services from allied health care practitioners including clinical psychologists, psychotherapists, counselling therapists, occupational therapists, speech language therapists, and physiotherapists.
WHAT IS PHYSIOTHERAPY? A GUIDE FOR REFUGEES AND NEWCOMERS IN NORTH YORK
Physiotherapy is a type of healthcare that helps people move better, recover from injuries, and manage pain. Physiotherapists are trained professionals who use safe, proven treatments to improve your health without relying only on medications or surgery.​​
HOW CAN PHYSIOTHERAPY HELP YOU?
Physiotherapy can support your health in many ways, such as:
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Reducing pain in the back, neck, shoulders, knees, and other joints
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Helping you recover after accidents, falls, or surgery
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Improving balance, strength, and flexibility
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Supporting women’s health (including pregnancy and pelvic health)
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Managing dizziness or vertigo (vestibular therapy)
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Helping you return to work, school, or daily activities
YOUR FIRST PHYSIOTHERAPY VISIT AT BETTERFORM PHYSIOTHERAPY - NORTH YORK
When you come for your first appointment, your physiotherapist will:
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Listen to your story and understand your health concerns.
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Assess your movement to see what might be causing pain or difficulty.
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Create a treatment plan that is safe, respectful, and tailored to your needs.
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Treatments may include:
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Gentle exercises and stretching
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Hands-on therapy
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Use of modalities such as heat, cold therapy, ultrasound therapy, or electrotherapy
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Education on how to move safely
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Guidance on gradual return to your daily activities
Questions? Click to call: (437) 494-4888
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY REQUEST FOR PHYSIOTHERAPY GETS DENIED?
All IFHP covered services must undergo pre-approval. If our request for approval gets denied, we will contact Medavie Blue Cross to determine the reason and rectify the issue. If, by all means, the service cannot be covered by IFHP we will provide you with alternatives to still be able to access care.
HOW MANY SESSIONS DOES THE IFHP PROVIDE?
The purpose of the IFHP is to provide temporary coverage for eligible people. The IFHP may set a specific number of sessions that they will cover based on several factors. If you need further treatment beyond what is approved, we may request for additional sessions to be approved by Medavie Blue Cross.
WILL I PAY FOR THE SERVICES?
No. IFHP covers the cost of physiotherapy once approved. We cannot charge patients additional costs. We will bill Medavie Blue Cross directly so you do not have to worry about payments. Other services or products may not be covered and only approved sessions are covered. We will discuss this beforehand so you will be informed.