New Workers' Compensation Agreement for Manitoba DCs

WINNIPEG - The Manitoba Chiropractors Association (MCA) and the Workers' Compensation Board of Manitoba (WCB) have reached a four-year agreement to provide chiropractic services for the province's injured workers. The agreement increases compensation to DCs and ensures injured workers continue to receive quality chiropractic care.

"We are pleased with the successful conclusion of the negotiations with the WCB," enthused MCA president Robert Palaschuk, DC. "The new agreement acknowledges the important role chiropractors play in the healthy recovery of injured workers."

"We at the WCB know how important chiropractic care is to the speedy return to health and work of many of our claimants," added Doug Sexsmith, the board's chief executive officer. "This long-term agreement lays the groundwork for future cooperation and increased participation in the high-priority area of return to work."

In Canada, workers' compensation is a system of social insurance, and coverage is generally mandatory. Assessments are levied on employers and gathered into a common fund, out of which benefits are paid to workers injured in the course of their jobs. The WCB covers approximately 70 percent of the province's workers and is responsible for administering the fund and settling disputes between employers and employees.

Under the current system, a workers' compensation claimant requiring chiropractic care is examined by a doctor of chiropractic, with follow-up treatments provided as needed. In many instances, the chiropractor must discuss the progress of a patient with a WCB case manager and submit reports about the patient's ability to return to work.

The fees for these services have remained unchanged since 1999, but under the terms of the new agreement, the fee structure will increase:

• Basic fees are $25.75 for taking an initial exam and history; $24.65 for subsequent chiropractic adjustments; and $30.00 for submitting a report.
• The basic fees will rise by 3 percent in years two, three and four of the agreement.
• The initial exam fee will increase an additional $5 in years two and three.

"This new agreement opens the door to increased cooperation between the WCB and Manitoba chiropractors, all [of] which will benefit injured workers," observed Dr. Palaschuk.

The agreement between the two organizations runs through March 2007.