WSIB introduces Non-Surgical Fracture Episode of Care

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) introduces a new Non-Surgical Fracture Episode of Care which becomes effective May 31, 2017 to address the rehabilitation of workers with healed fractures that did not require surgical intervention, who are no longer immobilized and are medically cleared to begin rehabilitation.  

The Episode of Care (EOC) is a new payment model to bundle health care services together for non-surgical fractures and includes an initial assessment and report, treatment, outcome measurement and a summary (discharge) report.  Treatment can be delivered for up to 8 weeks with a minimum of 6 visits being delivered.  Different from other WSIB Programs of Care, the EOC does not stipulate specific treatment interventions;  however treatment must support the functional recovery goals identified during the initial assessment.

View details regarding the Episode of Care for Non-Surgical Fractures, including assessment and reporting guidelines, fee guidelines and questions and answers here

Implications for Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapists who work with WSIB clients and who treat orthopedic conditions such as fractures should familiarize themselves with the new Episode of Care.  While physiotherapists may be a more likely first professional addressing rehabilitation after a fracture, the Episode of Care does not restrict multiple providers working with the same client (providing billing is within the EOC guideline).  As return to work is a functional goal to which the rehabilitative treatment should be focused, occupational therapists may have significant contributions to enable stay at work/return to work.