An allowance of 12 sessions
Twelve acupuncture sessions are pre-approved by ICBC for use in the weeks after a collision. The first visit, where your acupuncturist assesses you, uses one of them.
Acupuncture after a motor vehicle collision
ICBC Acupuncture in Burnaby and Vancouver
Acupuncture under an ICBC claim at Phoenix Rehab is provided by our registered acupuncturists for pain and related symptoms after a collision. The pre-approved allowance is 12 sessions, available in the 12 weeks following the accident. No referral is needed, and visits on eligible claims are billed straight to ICBC.
What acupuncture patients come in with after a crash
A diagnosis is not required before you book. These are the issues our acupuncturists hear about most often following a collision.
- 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
What ICBC covers for acupuncture
Acupuncture coverage under ICBC has its own allowance and its own rules, separate from physiotherapy and the other hands-on disciplines.
A 12-week window from the accident
The pre-approved sessions can be used within 12 weeks of the collision date; opening the claim later does not extend that window.
Book without a referral
Neither a physician referral nor prior ICBC approval is required to begin acupuncture. When you book, have your claim number and Personal Health Number handy.
We bill ICBC for you
Your visit is billed straight to ICBC on eligible claims, so nothing is charged at the appointment.
ICBC reporting included
Treatment reports ICBC requires are prepared and submitted by your acupuncturist, not left for you to chase.
Needing more than 12 sessions
Acupuncture past the pre-approved allowance requires ICBC to approve it, and your acupuncturist can make that request for you.
Whether a claim is accepted is ICBC's decision, and Phoenix Rehab cannot provide claim-status support. Questions about decisions, status, benefits, or account access go to ICBC.
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
What a session may include
Your acupuncturist selects from these techniques based on your injuries, your comfort with needles, and how you respond over the course of care.
AcupunctureCuppingGua ShaMoxibustionTui Na massageElectrical stimulation
ICBC acupuncture questions
How much acupuncture does ICBC pay for?
The pre-approved allowance is twelve sessions, to be used within twelve weeks of the collision, and the assessment visit is part of that allowance.
Can I start acupuncture without a referral?
Yes. A referral is never required for ICBC acupuncture, and neither is advance approval. Only sessions beyond the pre-approved allowance need ICBC's approval. Have your claim number and Personal Health Number ready.
Can acupuncture be combined with physiotherapy or massage under one claim?
Each treatment type carries its own pre-approved allowance, and ICBC does not restrict how you mix them; the limit is 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 when the 12 sessions are used up?
Any further acupuncture requires ICBC's approval. Your acupuncturist can submit the request before the allowance runs out.
ICBC acupuncture and care resources
For the claim process and what to have ready at your first visit, see the main ICBC page. This page covers acupuncture only.