Frequently Asked Questions
What can you expect for your first treatment?
Your initial visit will include filling out a health history form, which your therapist will review and discuss prior to your treatment. During this time, your therapist will discuss a treatment plan for your desired outcome. This may include type, frequency of treatment and a home care program. Your therapist will discuss proper draping techniques to make sure you feel comfortable at all times. Everything discussed within your treatment is kept confidential unless authorized by you personally.
Do you direct bill to insurance companies?
Yes, we direct bill through Telus Health and most Insurance Companies. This includes Manulife, Greenshield, Sunlife, Canada Life (formerly Great West Life) and Blue Cross. If you are not a direct bill client you will be provided with an invoice so that you can submit to your insurance company on your own. Please note at this time Osteopathic services are not eligible for direct billing.
Will my Osteopathic Manual Treatments be covered by my insurance company?
Yes! As long as you have extended coverage that includes Osteopathic services, your insurance company will reimburse you. As with other health care coverage, it depends on your specific plan whether you will need a Doctor’s note for this coverage. Our Osteopathic Manual Practitioner is a member in good standing with the Ontario Osteopathic Association (OOA). This is a requirement in order to get your treatments covered via insurance. Please note that Osteopathy is not a regulated health profession within Canada at this time, but they’re working on it!
Is Massage Therapy a regulated health profession?
Yes, the practice of massage therapy is regulated under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA) and is therefore a Regulated Health Profession. Only individuals who have completed the requisite training and have met the strict competency requirements of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) can call themselves a "Massage Therapist" or a "Registered Massage Therapist". In addition, Registered Massage Therapists are covered by Ontario's Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004. As a result, information that is collected about clients may be collected only with consent, may only be disclosed with consentto your immediate health providers (circle of care) or insurance company, and must be secured and maintained.
What is the difference between an Osteopath and a Chiropractor?
Both professions treat the spine and joint. Osteopaths treat the body as a whole including respiratory, digestive and other problems. Their role is to encourage the body to self-heal through manual treatment and to remove any obstructions interfering with proper nutrition and drainage of the muscle tissue. They do this using spinal/ joint manipulations, joint mobilizations, myofascial release, massage, cranial and/or visceral manipulation.
What is your privacy policy?
Sterling Massage Therapy Centre will collect some personal information about you (name, address, phone number). The information collected will be kept in the strictest confidence. In the event that disclosure is appropriate, consent can be expressed in writing or implied and may be given verbally, electronically, or through an authorized representative. In the case of services paid by a third party (insurance company), the only information given is name, identification, dates of treatment and costs of services. If for any reason the third party does not cover costs, you acknowledge to the pay the amount owing.
What happens if I need to cancel?
We understand that life sometimes happens and are happy to reschedule an appointment for you. In consideration of your therapist and other clients, please allow 48 hours notice for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. Any cancellations made within 48 hours of a scheduled appointment may be subject to a cancellation fee of up to the full treatment cost. This fee must be paid before your next appointment.