12 pre-approved sessions
ICBC pre-approves 12 acupuncture sessions. Your first assessment visit counts as one of the 12.
Acupuncture after a motor vehicle collision
ICBC Acupuncture in Burnaby and Vancouver
After a crash in British Columbia, ICBC pre-approves 12 acupuncture sessions in your first 12 weeks. You do not need a referral from a doctor, and you do not need ICBC to approve anything first. Phoenix Rehab direct-bills ICBC on eligible claims.
What ICBC covers for acupuncture
These are the rules ICBC applies to acupuncture specifically. They are not the same as the rules for physiotherapy or massage therapy.
Counted from the day of the crash
The 12 weeks run from the collision date, not from the day your claim is opened.
No referral, no approval needed first
You do not need a referral from a family doctor or nurse practitioner, and you do not need ICBC's approval, to start. Bring your ICBC claim number and your Personal Health Number.
Billed to ICBC, not to you
Phoenix Rehab bills ICBC directly on eligible claims, so there is no payment at the visit.
The paperwork is handled here
Your acupuncturist submits the treatment reporting ICBC requires, so you are not chasing forms during your recovery.
If you need care past the 12 sessions
Further acupuncture beyond the pre-approved sessions needs ICBC's approval. Your acupuncturist can put the request in for you.
Phoenix Rehab does not decide whether an ICBC claim is accepted and does not provide claim-status support. Contact ICBC for claim decisions, status, benefits, or account access.
What people bring to acupuncture after a collision
You do not need a diagnosis before booking. These are the concerns people most often raise with our acupuncturists after a crash.
- Neck and shoulder pain after whiplash
- Headaches and migraines that started after the collision
- Tingling, numbness, or nerve pain down an arm or leg
- Muscle tightness and guarding that limits movement
- Jaw pain and tension after impact
- Broken sleep and fatigue during recovery
- Stress and anxiety symptoms after a crash
Our registered acupuncturists
Every one of our registered acupuncturists can treat patients under an ICBC claim.
Wai Lam (Kelly) Chan
TCM Practitioner, Reg. Acupuncturist & Herbalist
Women's Health, Stress Management & Sleep Disorders, Digestive Imbalance, Pain Relief & Post-injury Recovery, Five-Element Acupuncture
Languages · English, Cantonese, Mandarin
Kyungeun (Kay) Choi
TCM Practitioner, Reg. Acupuncturist & Herbalist
Chronic Pain Management, Injury Rehabilitation, ICBC Recovery, Women's Health, Digestive Health
Languages · English, Korean
Gil Gosch
Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac.)
ICBC Recovery & Sports Injuries, Acute & Chronic Pain Support, Headaches & Migraines, Sleep Concerns & Fatigue, Stress & Anxiety Support
Languages · English, Portuguese, Spanish (Beginner)
Kenny Zou
TCM Practitioner, Reg. Acupuncturist & Herbalist
ICBC & Sports Injury Recovery, Chronic & Muscle Pain Management, Cupping & Gua Sha, Tui Na Massage, Master Tung Style Acupuncture
Languages · English, Mandarin
Pauline Ching Kei Wong
TCM Practitioner, Reg. Acupuncturist & Herbalist
ICBC Recovery & Sports Injuries, Women's Health & Fertility, Fatigue & Digestive Issues, Facial Rejuvenation, Western Nutrition & TCM Integration
Languages · English, Cantonese, Mandarin
What a session may include
Your acupuncturist chooses from these depending on your injuries and what you are comfortable with.
AcupunctureCuppingGua ShaMoxibustionTui Na massageElectrical stimulation
ICBC acupuncture questions
How many acupuncture sessions does ICBC cover?
Twelve, in the first 12 weeks after your crash. Your first assessment visit is one of the twelve.
Do I need a referral to start?
No. You do not need a referral from a family doctor or nurse practitioner, and you do not need ICBC's approval first. You will need your ICBC claim number and your Personal Health Number.
Can I have acupuncture and physiotherapy under the same claim?
Yes. ICBC pre-approves each treatment type separately and does not limit how you combine them. You can have one session per practitioner type per day.
I do not like needles. Can I still come in?
Say so when you book. The needles are far finer than the ones used for injections, and your acupuncturist can start with cupping, Gua Sha, or Tui Na massage instead. Tell them at any point if something is uncomfortable and the session is adjusted.
What happens after my 12 sessions?
Further acupuncture needs ICBC's approval. Your acupuncturist can submit that request before your pre-approved sessions run out.
ICBC acupuncture and care resources
The claim steps, what to bring, and general billing all live on the main ICBC page. This page stays on acupuncture.