Massage Therapy and Insurance

One of the most frequent questions I get asked over the phone is how insurance coverage works with massage therapy.

Most insurance companies and employers have recognized the benefits of massage therapy and together have made a move to providing more preventive care options.  After all, it’s much more cost effective to pay for massage treatment than pay for pain medication, lost time, and even hospitalization. I would be willing to bet that happy and relaxed employees with improved sleep patterns are also more productive employees!

If you work for a company that offers health benefits, chances are you will be covered for the cost (or a portion of the cost) of your massage treatment by a Registered Massage Therapist. The coverage amount will vary depending on what plan your employer has negotiated for you.

Most insurance companies will not allow health care professionals to check this information on your behalf due to privacy concerns. The best way to find out about your coverage is to speak with your employer directly or contact your insurance company with your employee ID or group number handy. Many companies have a website that you can log into to view your coverage details and even submit claims.

Here are some important questions to ask when determining your coverage:
- Do I require a Doctor’s note in order to be reimbursed?
- What is my annual maximum?
- What is my maximum allowance per treatment?
- Is my Massage Therapist able to direct bill, or must I submit receipts myself?
- When will my coverage renew?
- If I reach my maximum am I able to use a health spending account to cover the additional costs?
- Will my therapist need to fill out any additional paperwork?

At this time our clinic is set up to direct bill for most GreenShield, Blue Cross and Motor Vehicle Accident patients. If we are unable to bill directly for you we will gladly provide you with the necessary documentation to send to your company.

Visit http://www.bowmanvillemassage.com/#!rates|c15it and scroll to the bottom to download a checklist of questions to ask your employer or insurance company when determining your coverage! 

RMT vs. "Masseur"

What sets a Registered Massage Therapist apart from a "masseur"?

 

In Ontario there are also unregistered individuals who offer 'massage' or 'bodywork', however it is only the services provided by Registered Massage Therapists that are recognized as a type of health care and are covered by many insurance plans. If you have private or workplace coverage, chances are you may be eligible for reimbursement of fees paid to a Registered Massage Therapist. Please see our blog post on Insurance!

 

Another key factor is safety. Registered Massage Therapists are trained to recognize when massage may not be safe, or when precautions need to be taken. We are trained to assess each person and create an individual plan keeping in mind the person's goals and any limitations of treatment.

 

In Ontario is it law that only Registered Massage Therapists can use the terms "Massage Therapist", "Massage Therapy", "Therapeutic Massage" and claim health benefits from their treatments. Look for the designation RMT behind the therapist's name. All RMTs have identification cards and certificates of registration and are required to show their registration number on your receipts.

Massage Therapy Gift Baskets!

In addition to our regular gift certificates, we are pleased to now offer gift baskets! Each comes with a gift card for Massage Therapy in the amount of your choice and other customizable goodies! Orders can be place by phone, email or in person at the clinic.

The basic basket (as pictured and described below) is available for the cost of the gift certificate plus $10.00. The basic basket will be available in stock at the clinic starting in May 2012. 

Themed baskets are available for order and include items geared towards relaxation, sports/therapeutic massage, and prenatal massage. Please call or email for a quote.
 

How to Win a Gift Basket:
​
"Like' the Bowmanville Valley Massage Therapy page on Facebook (next draw: June 30, 2012) or attend our May 5th Open House for your chance to win one of the gift baskets pictured to the right! 

The baskets for the draw contain either a 60 Minute Massage Certificate ($77.00 value) or a 30 Minute Massage Certificate ($45.00 value), bath salts, reusable cold pack and aromatherapy candle.  


Like us here to enter: http://www.facebook.com/BowmanvilleValleyMassageTherapy

Watch for our new sign ...

Since out front door is set back a few feet from the sidewalk and our building sign is in the works, I've created a sidewalk sign to help clients navigate to the clinic!

If you are on your way to your appointment, keep an eye out for the sign pictured above!

We will be posting news and special offers on the chalk section.


Jenna

Esthetics by Kendra - Spring Specials!

Bowmanville Valley Massage Therapy is VERY excited to have an on-site Esthetician, Kendra Kryger-Wilson.

Kendra is offering some exciting Spring Specials:


**Double Pedicure Package**
Two Basic Pedicures. $65.00
(To be used for two different clients)

**Mom Time Package**
Basic facial, basic pedicure, natural manicure. $105.00
2 hours, 30 minutes


**Prom Package**
Makeup application, natural manicure, mini pedicure. $75.00
1 hour, 30 minutes

These offers are valid until May 31st, 2012.

You can call Kendra at 905-809-0192 to schedule an appointment.
Gift certificates are available - Mother's Day is on the way!

Mobile Massage Promotion - Limited Time Only!

Massage Party Package

Special Offer

For a limited time, receive 10% off when you book a Massage package for 4 or more people at the location of your choice.  

-No travel or set up fee! Pay the regular clinic rate plus a 10% discount.

-Bowmanville Valley will take care of everything! We provide the table, lotion, sheets and music.

-Covered by most health insurance plans—receipts provided. Treatment is provided by a Registered Massage Therapist.

Great for birthday parties, “girls night in”, bridal/bachelorette parties, baby showers, employee appreciation day etc.

Call to schedule your package—905-259-2158

Evening and weekends available.

Credit card required when booking, 48 hours notice required for cancellations to avoid cancellation fee. Travel fee applies to locations greater than 15km from 84 King St W. Bowmanville.

What is a Registered Massage Therapist?

What is a Registered Massage Therapist?

In Ontario, a Registered Massage Therapist is a Regulated Health Professional under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA). All RMTs in the province are members of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. The CMTO is the regulatory body for the profession and is responsible for regulation of Massage Therapy, complaints and discipline and protection of the public.

Only members of the CMTO may call themselves Massage Therapists and offer Massage Therapy.


What type of education do RMTs in Ontario have?

Before they are able to register with the college, prospective Massage Therapists must attend a recognized training program that is at least 2200 hours in length and includes hands on field placement. Students must complete courses in Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Massage Theory, Ethics and Law, Hydrotherapy, Orthopedic Assessment, Massage Treatment, Remedial Exercise and more.

Once they have successfully completed their training, candidates may take the provincial board exams administered by the College of Massage Therapists. Upon passing the rigorous written and practical exams, they may register as Massage Therapists and begin to practice in the province.


What happens after registration?


All RMTs are subject to a quality assurance program overseen by the college. Members are required to obtain continuing education credits as well as keep up with self and peer assessments and literature provided by the College.


What sets a Registered Massage Therapist apart from others offering massage?


As Regulated Health Professionals, Massage Therapists are trained to administer treatment for therapeutic purposes. Not only are they able to deliver massage for relaxation, their skill set allows them to treat many impairments and health conditions. RMTs are trained to assess each client and create an individual treatment plan with the client's goals in mind. They are also trained to recognize scenarios when Massage Therapy may not be beneficial or when treatment needs to be modified.


How can visits to an RMT help my health?

The following list of general health benefits has been provided by the Registered Massage Therapists Association of Ontario (www.rmtao.com):

• Reducing or eliminating pain
• Improving joint mobility
• Improving circulation
• Improving immune system functioning
• Increasing lymphatic drainage
• Reducing depression and anxiety
• Reducing tension within muscles
• Increasing body awareness 

What conditions can Massage Therapy treat?

Treatment by a Registered Massage Therapist can prove beneficial for the following conditions: 

Anxiety and depression	Asthma and Emphysema
Back, leg, and neck pain	Cancer
Carpal tunnel syndrome (repetitive strain)	Chronic Fatigue syndrome
Dislocations	Fibromyalgia
Fractures and edema	Gastrointestinal disorders
Headaches	Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and bursitis
Insomnia	Kyphosis and Scoliosis
Multiple sclerosis	Parkinson’s disease
Muscle tension and spasm	Palliative care
Post-surgical rehabilitation	Pregnancy and labour support
Sports injuries	Strains and sprains
Stress and stress related conditions	Stroke
Tendinitis	Whiplash

Source: www.rmtao.com


Who goes to see Registered Massage Therapists?

Massage Therapy is used by people of all ages, for a wide variety of reasons. For example, colicky infants may benefit from massage, athletes frequently use Massage Therapy to treat injuries and prepare or recover from events, and the elderly often use massage when they experience degenerative changes associated with aging.  Your Massage Therapist will ensure that treatment will be safe and appropriate before proceeding. If you are unsure if you are a candidate for Massage Therapy, please give us a call at the clinic or speak with your Family Doctor.


For more information, visit our webpage at www.bowmanvillemassage.com or give us a call at 905-259-2158 to speak with a Registered Massage Therapist.

Massage Therapy and Insurance

One of the most frequent questions I get asked over the phone is how insurance coverage works with massage therapy.

Over the past decade, insurance companies have really started to recognize the benefits of massage therapy and make a move to providing more preventive care options.  After all, it’s much more cost effective to pay for massage treatment than pay for pain medication, lost time, and even hospitalization. I would be willing to bet that happy and relaxed employees with improved sleep patterns are also more productive employees!

If you work for a company that offers health benefits, chances are you will be covered for the cost (or a portion of the cost) of your massage treatment by a Registered Massage Therapist. The coverage amount will vary depending on what plan your employer has negotiated for you.

Most insurance companies will not allow health care professionals to check this information on your behalf due to privacy concerns. The best way to find out about your coverage is to speak with your employer directly or contact your insurance company with your employee ID or group number handy. Many companies have a website that you can log into to view your coverage details and even submit claims.

Here are some important questions to ask when determining your coverage:
- Do I require a Doctor’s note in order to be reimbursed?
- What is my annual maximum?
- What is my maximum allowance per treatment?
- Is my Massage Therapist able to direct bill, or must I submit receipts myself?
- When will my coverage renew?
- If I reach my maximum am I able to use a health spending account to cover the additional costs?
- Will my therapist need to fill out any additional paperwork?

At this time our clinic is set up to direct bill for most GreenShield, Blue Cross (RCMP, Veterans, General) and Motor Vehicle Accident patients. If we are unable to bill directly for you we will gladly provide you with the necessary documentation to send to your company, or work with your insurance company to arrange direct billing if available.


If you have any additional questions we will be happy to help you out over the phone or at your next appointment!

Take a Virtual Tour of the Clinic!

February was a busy month of renovations in order to get set for a March 1st opening! I am very thankful for having some hardworking and very handy family members around to help me get set up.

Lots of dry wall went up, new floors went down, painting, installing and assembling! I am very proud of the final product! Check it out for yourself below:

**** Grand Opening Celebration ****

Bowmanville Valley Massage and Esthetics by Kendra will be teaming up to hold an open house in celebration or our new location!

Feel free to stop by the clinic on Saturday May 5th, 2012 between 12:00pm and 2:00pm for:

- Light snacks and refreshments (cake!!)
- A tour of the new facility
- Meet and greet with the staff
- Enter to win some great prizes (gift certificates!!)
- Each visitor will receive a $10 gift card for Massage Therapy

Hope to see you there!

Welcome to Bowmanville Valley Massage Therapy's blog!

We are currently working on getting our new blog up and running after some reports of frequent down time on our last blog. Please be patient with us while we work out the kinks and get some new posts up!

If you didn't just come from our website, you can visit us there for more information:
www.bowmanvillemassage.com

If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment to see a Registered Massage Therapist you can use one of the following methods to contact us:

Call or Text:          905-259-2158
Email:                   jenna@bowmanvillemassage.com
Online booking:    www.bowmanvillemassage.com


Bowmanville Valley Massage Therapy is located in the heart of Historic Downtown Bowmanville. Nestled between Roses Bistro and Flower Shop and Soper Creek Yarn, our clinic boasts a large reception and waiting area, two treatments rooms, and washroom facilities. In addition to the services of a Registered Massage Therapist, we also have an experienced on-site Esthetician.

Our Registered Massage Therapist provides treatment for stress and relaxation, sports or repetitive strain injuries, headaches, insomnia, pregnancy related complaints, and more! Hot stone massage is also available.

We are excited to now offer convenient online booking for our clients. Through our website from your computer or mobile device you can select your appointment length, view upcoming availability and reserve your spot. You will receive email confirmation as well as a handy email reminder the day prior to your appointment!

Bowmanville Valley  Massage Therapy

84 King Street West,
Bowmanville, ON
L1C 1R4