Funding Your Treatment and Financial Support Options: Improving Accessibility to Scoliosis Treatment at The ScoliClinic

Scoliosis affects about 2-3% of teenagers, and this percentage increases with age, impacting 8-15% of adults, making it a prevalent condition that requires specialized care. At The ScoliClinic, we aim to provide comprehensive, accessible scoliosis treatment options to ensure that people across Canada have the opportunity to receive the care they need.

In this blog, we explore the various costs associated with scoliosis treatment, the barriers to accessing care, and the resources available to help overcome these challenges. We are here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you and your loved ones can lead full, vibrant lives despite the difficulties of scoliosis.

 

Costs to Expect When Treating Scoliosis

Depending on where you live, healthcare consultations or treatment sessions for scoliosis may be publicly funded or require private pay, sometimes involving various ongoing and potentially significant costs. Understanding these expenses is crucial for planning and managing treatment effectively. 

Here are some of the common costs associated with scoliosis treatment:

 

Physiotherapy

The Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT) recommends detailed assessment and curve-specific treatment sessions with a scoliosis-trained physiotherapist. 

Specifically, scoliosis-specific physiotherapy approaches like Schroth, BSPTS Concept, SEAS, and others address the 3-dimensional changes that occur in scoliosis. These approaches use exercises tailored to your unique spinal curve, helping improve posture, reduce pain, and prevent further curvature. 

While public health care in Canada may not cover these sessions, there are ways to make alternative treatment options more affordable.

Explore physiotherapy and massage therapy rates at The ScoliClinic

 

Surgery

Surgery may be required to correct the spinal curvature in severe scoliosis cases. Complex procedures, such as spinal fusion, can be costly. Depending on the healthcare system in your area, they may be publicly funded or require private payment. Fortunately, in Canada, spinal surgeries are covered by public healthcare.

However, recovery periods often require time off from school or work and may involve extended hospital stays, contributing to the overall costs associated with the procedure. 

If you’re not sure you need surgery, book an appointment with your doctor or speak with one of our scoliosis-trained physiotherapists to discuss if a referral to a spine surgeon is appropriate for you.

Get professional advice from a scoliosis expert

 

Back Braces

For many patients, especially adolescents with spinal curves between 20-45°, wearing a back brace is an essential part of treatment. Custom-fitted braces can be costly, and multiple braces may be needed as a child grows. However, you could be eligible for funding assistance in BC, as braces are considered medical devices.

To ensure you can afford a high-quality back brace, find an orthotist trained in three-dimensional bracing principles and discuss available funding options with them.

We work closely with Certified Orthotists at Hodgson Orthopedic Group to create custom spinal braces for teens and adults who can benefit from bracing treatment, ensuring you get the support you need.

 

Medical Imaging

Regular X-rays or MRIs are often necessary to monitor the progression of scoliosis. While these imaging tests can be costly, X-rays are typically covered by public healthcare in Canada.

At The ScoliClinic, we use your X-ray images to design a personalized treatment plan. We know that obtaining these images yourself can sometimes be difficult, but we’re here to help! Our dedicated team can assist you in acquiring your X-rays from other healthcare providers. All you need to do is let us know which medical imaging facility you visited, and we’ll inform you if we can request the images on your behalf or if you need to collect them yourself.

 

Specialized Equipment

If you have a spinal condition, you may require specialized equipment like scoliosis physiotherapy tools for home use. You might also prefer orthopedic beds or mattresses, ergonomic chairs, and other adaptive products to improve comfort and support at home and work. While these items might not be as expensive as some other scoliosis-related costs, they can still add up.

At The ScoliClinic, we understand the financial burden of managing scoliosis and are here to help you find the right equipment to fit your needs and budget. Our team wants to make your journey to better spinal health as smooth as possible.

 

Medication

Pain management and other medications may be prescribed as part of the treatment plan, which can also add to the overall cost of care.

 

Understanding the Barriers to Treatment

There are several significant barriers that Canadians with scoliosis and their families may face in accessing treatment:

• Financial Constraints: The costs of treatment can be prohibitive for many families. Even with insurance, out-of-pocket expenses can be substantial, leading to financial stress.
• Geographic Limitations: Access to scoliosis-specific care may be limited by geographic location. Those living in remote or rural areas may have to travel long distances to reach a specialized clinic, which can be time-consuming and expensive. We’ve designed a structure for people outside of Vancouver to access scoliosis-specific physiotherapy and registered massage therapy in a condensed format.

Learn more about our Intensive Treatment Structure for Non-Residents

• Childcare Responsibilities: Managing childcare while attending appointments can be challenging, particularly for single parents or families with multiple children. Finding reliable childcare during treatment sessions adds another layer of complexity.
• Scheduling Difficulties: Balancing work, school, and other responsibilities with treatment schedules can be overwhelming. Many patients and their families struggle to find appointment times that fit into their busy lives.
• Wait Times: Long wait times for specialist appointments and diagnostic tests can delay treatment. Reducing these wait times or providing interim support can be beneficial.
• Lack of Awareness and Information: Many individuals may not be aware of the resources and support available to them. This lack of information can prevent them from seeking and receiving the help they need.

 

Identifying and understanding these barriers is the first step in overcoming them. While Canada’s healthcare system may help you overcome some of these issues and cover parts of the costs associated with scoliosis, you’ll still have extra out-of-pocket expenses.

Let’s discuss the resources and support available to help you and your family navigate these challenges if you have scoliosis.

 

Financial Support Resources

During your initial consultation, your therapist will recommend a plan of care that will help you reach your personal goals. In this discussion, you can share any constraints you anticipate, and your therapist can work with you to adjust your plan accordingly. 

 

Direct Billing to Extended Medical Benefits

Managing scoliosis treatment costs can put a strain on your monthly cash flow. To alleviate some of this pressure, try visiting a specialist who offers direct billing to your extended medical benefits provider. 

Direct billing streamlines the payment process by billing your healthcare provider directly, leaving you responsible only for any remaining balance. This way, you can focus more on your health and less on financial worries.

At TheScoliClinic, we provide direct billing for treatments administered by our Registered Physiotherapists and Registered Massage Therapists to numerous extended medical providers, such as Pacific Blue Cross, Canada Life, and Manulife Financial. Check out the full list of providers we work with for direct billing.

Don’t forget to use your benefits allowance! If you wait until the end of the year, appointments might be harder to get, and you could miss out entirely.

 

Community Programs and Resources

Jordan’s Principle

Jordan’s Principle addresses the unmet needs of First Nations children across Canada, providing essential products, services, and support without delay. 

Eligible children include those registered or eligible to be registered under the Indian Act, have at least one registered parent or guardian, are recognized by their nation, or are ordinarily resident on reserve. 

The ScoliClinic team can help families navigate and access support under Jordan’s Principle.

At Home Program

The At Home Program, a government support tool, helps children with severe disabilities or complex healthcare needs, offering a range of medical items, equipment, and services that enable them to stay out of the hospital. 

The At Home Program covers the cost of expensive services and tools such as medical and bio-medical equipment, orthotics, audiology supplies, school-aged therapies, and more.

Variety Club

Variety Club, the Children’s Charity, offers funding for adaptive equipment, mobility aids, specialized therapies, tuition, tutoring, continuous glucose monitors, and autism assessments.

To be eligible, children must be under 19, residents of BC or Yukon with a valid Health Care Card, and meet specific financial criteria.

CKNW Kids’ Fund

The CKNW Kids’ Fund provides timely support for children with physical, mental, and social challenges, offering funding for various therapies, medical equipment, hearing aids, special computer aids, emergency dental care, summer camps, and more.

Getting prompt care for scoliosis in Canada is becoming increasingly difficult. A recent study by the Conference Board of Canada said four in 10 children have their spinal surgery after the recommended six-month wait time. Plus, over 2,778 children in Canada are still waiting for spinal surgery!

Understanding your care options and the support resources available to you, your child, or your family member is essential to ensure you get timely, cost-effective care for scoliosis.

 

 

Digital Support: TSC Connect, Our YouTube Channel

TSC Connect is our YouTube channel, created to provide free information globally. It features workouts, interviews, educational tidbits, and more, aimed at expanding our reach and supporting anyone with internet access. 

Whether you’re continuously trying to learn more about scoliosis or you haven’t had access to the information you need before, TSC Connect is available online for people in need globally. Check it out if you’re looking for more resources to help you in your scoliosis journey.  

 

Get the Funding You Need for Your Scoliosis Treatment

Navigating the intricacies of scoliosis treatment can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. The ScoliClinic is here to support you every step of the way. From financial assistance to direct billing and helping you access community resources, we are dedicated to making your treatment journey as accessible as possible.

If you need assistance in understanding your insurance coverage, applying for financial support programs, or setting up direct billing, we can help. 

Ready to take the next step? Reach out to schedule a consultation and kickstart your scoliosis treatment plan.  

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