FAQ

Check out some of our more frequently asked questions. If your query is not answered below, then feel free to contact us via the contact page email, or give us a call on (902) 423-1085

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a doctor's referral?

No one needs a doctor’s referral to receive service from our clinic. HOWEVER, if you are using a private health insurance plan, the insurer may require it. Check with your insurer.



Does my private insurance cover your services?

There are many different plans. Check with your insurer regarding what coverage you have.



Does your clinic provide direct billing to insurance companies?

Presently, we can direct bill Medavie Blue Cross and Green Shield for Osteopathy.

Many private health insurance plans such as Medavie Blue Cross, Sunlife, Great West Life, Greenshield and Manulife do cover osteopathic manual treatment. Osteopathic Manual Practitioners must be registered with an approved association in order for the treatments to be covered by your insurance plans. If you have an appointment with an osteopathic manual practitioner, please be sure they are registered with an approved association.

See list below for companies we have access to direct bill for physiotherapy, massage and naturopathy (if your plan allows direct billing)

Blue Cross

Chamber of Commerce Group Insurance

CINUP
ClaimSecure
Cowan
Desjardins Insurance

First Canadian
Great-West Life

Greenshield

GroupHEALTH

GroupSource
Industrial Alliance
Johnson Inc.
Johnston Group Inc.
Manion
Manulife Financial
Maximum Benefit

Sun Life Financial



How many times will I need to see the therapist for the problem I have?

When you first meet with the therapist s/he will do an assessment and treatment. At that time s/he will be able to indicate the frequency and duration of visits.



Are the therapists registered?

All the therapists in this clinic are registered with the appropriate associations. Osteopaths are registered with the NSAO (Nova Scotia Association of Osteopaths) and the OAO (Ontario Association of Osteopaths). Physiotherapists are registered with CPA (Canadian Physiotherapy Association). Massage Therapists are registered with MTANS (Massage Therapists’ Association of Nova Scotia) or MTWPAM Massage Therapist Wholistic Practitioner Association of the Maritimes. Acupuncturists are registered with NSAA (Nova Scotia Association of Acupuncturists). Naturopathic Doctors are registered with NSAND (Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors)



Can I buy a gift certificate?

Yes, we can provide gift certificates.



Is the clinic wheel-chair accessible?

Yes



I have a lot of scent sensitivities. Can you accommodate me?

We strive for our staff and the products used to be scent-free. We advise our clients of our scent-free policy.



What about parking?

Street parking only. One hour parking in front of the clinic on Jubilee Road. Chestnut Street (south of Jubilee) has 2-hour parking. Chestnut Street (north of Jubilee ) has parking restrictions between 10 and 11 am as well as 2 to 3 pm. The ticket patrol seems vigilant in this area of Halifax.



What is the difference between physiotherapy, chiropractic and osteopathy?

It is important to understand that patients with mobility restrictions, movement dysfunctions, pain, require a team of health professionals. There will always be overlap within the health professions as we all have the same goal: to optimize the health and well-being of our clients. Physiotherapy, chiropractic and osteopathic treatments all have unique contributions to make in the health, well-being and pain management of our patients, and are complimentary to each other. Physiotherapy is a professional health care discipline directed primarily towards the prevention or alleviation of movement dysfunction. Physiotherapists are skilled in the assessment and management of a broad range of conditions that affect the musculoskeletal, circulatory, respiratory and nervous systems. Visit www.physiotherapyns.ca for more information. Chiropractors practice a drug-free, manual approach to health care that includes patient assessment, diagnosis and treatment. In particular, chiropractors assess patients for disorders related to the spine, pelvis, extremity joints, and their effect on the nervous system. Canadian Chiropractic Association. Osteopathy is an established recognized system of health care which relies on manual contact for diagnosis and treatment. It respects the relationship of body, mind and spirit in health and disease; it lays emphasis on the structural and functional integrity of the body and the body’s intrinsic tendency for self-healing. Visit www.novascotiaosteopaths.ca to learn more.



Is Osteopathy Regulated?

In Nova Scotia osteopathy is not regulated. In fact, osteopathy is not regulated in any Canadian province. In this province the Nova Scotia Association of Osteopaths acts to develop and enforce standards of osteopathic care. For further information visit:www.novascotiaosteopaths.ca



Are Osteopathic Manual Practitioners in Nova Scotia Doctors of Osteopathy?

In Nova Scotia, Osteopathic Manual Practitioners are not members of the College Of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia (CPSNS) and as such are not permitted to use the title “Doctor of Osteopathy” or “Osteopathic Physician”. Subsection 22(3) of the Medicine Act states that: (3) Notwithstanding subsection (1), no person shall use the title “Doctor of Osteopathy” or abbreviations or deviations therefore or the title “Osteopathic Physician” unless that person (a) is a medical practitioner; and (b) holds an osteopathic medical degree from a school approved by the Council for this purpose. For further information you can check the following website: nslegislature.ca