The Manitoba Branch of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (MBCPA) and the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba (WCB) have reached a three-year agreement recognizing the valuable services provided to injured workers.

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with the WCB,” said Barbara Shay, MBCPA President.  “The contract acknowledges the essential role physiotherapists play in the healthy recovery of injured workers,” added Shay.

“A physiotherapist’s care is important to the return to health and work of many injured workers,” stated Doug Sexsmith, WCB CEO.  “The agreement will allow the WCB to continue its collaborative relationship with physiotherapists which means better service to injured workers,” added Sexsmith.

The new fee schedule covers the years 2003 to 2005.  The retroactive increases in 2003 recognize that physiotherapists have not received a significant fee increase from the WCB since 1996.

Agreement highlights include:

•       Length of the agreement is three years extending to 2005

•       Increases in assessment and treatment fees

•       Increases in reporting fees, both by form and by page

•       The formation of a liaison committee enabling future collaboration on issues affecting injured workers

“This agreement signifies a collaborative approach between Manitoba physiotherapists and the WCB which will benefit injured workers,” said Shay.  “The contract gives the WCB predictability in health care costs and stability of service for injured workers,” added Sexsmith, “while also laying the groundwork for more active participation in the high priority area of returning injured workers to health and work”.

The contract runs to December 31, 2005.

Contacts:

Warren Preece                                               Carrie Fruehm Past President             
Workers Compensation Board                   Manitoba Branch of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association
954-4113                                                         787-1422