What new ICBC regulations will mean for physicians

The BC Government and ICBC have announced new regulations for treatment of motor vehicle accidents injuries. 

ICBC consulted with Doctors of BC to help with the development of the regulations, which go into effect April 1, 2019.   

The changes will:

• Provide more clinical autonomy to physicians through expanded pre-authorized accident benefits; this means patients will have easier access to treatment.
• Introduce new and updated treatment fees for physicians that acknowledge the additional time often needed to care for ICBC patients, and
• Streamline processes by reducing paperwork.

"By working together with ICBC we are hopeful that these changes will help people receive the care they need and focus on getting better," says Dr. Eric Cadesky, president of Doctors of BC. "Eliminating unnecessary paperwork also allows doctors to spend more time with our patients."

Resources

Detailed information for physicians and other care providers can be found here. 

A comprehensive summary of all the changes at ICBC can be found here. 

ICBC is working with UBC to develop education and training options for physicians and Medical Office Assistants (MOAs) before the new regulations take effect. ICBC will also be providing information sessions and publishing resource materials. 

For more information, contact: View Email Addressrsekhon@doctorsofbc.ca

Physician Qs and As

How will the new process make it easier for me to treat my patients?

Essentially, ICBC patients will have access to better treatment post-accident and physicians can focus on care rather than filling out unnecessary paperwork.

This is because ICBC patients will have access to pre-approved treatment options, regardless if they are at-fault or not. 

Additionally, a new set of forms  will be integrated with your EMR and will also become part of the patient record to avoid duplicating work. 

What was Doctors of BC’s involvement in the development of the new regulations?

Doctors of BC worked closely with ICBC to reduce your administrative burden, ensure you are paid appropriately with improved fees, and ensure you maintain clinical autonomy with regard to treating your patients.

What about the new $5500 cap on pain and suffering?  

The cap will have no impact on care provisions and other accident benefits (e.g. wage loss). In fact, these benefits are being enhanced, not reduced.   

The cap for pain and suffering will redirect resources from litigation to increasing medical benefits for ICBC patients.  

Will there be more paperwork for me or my MOA?

ICBC is working towards integrating new forms into your EMRs. There will be a shorter form for standard visits and an extended form for longer visits – each will be compensated differently by ICBC. 

Doctors of BC Technology Office is working with ICBC on a physician engagement plan to help incorporate physician input into the new forms.