Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions...

Does Health Insurance cover these treatments?

OHIP does not cover any part of Massage Therapy fees... however, most health insurance plans do. Plans are often part of 'employee group benefit packages'... and health plans can also be purchased by individuals.

The amount that a plan will pay per visit or per year for Massage Therapy varies from plan to plan. I have seen plans paying as low as $200 per year... and those paying as high as $1000 per year. Review the information provided by your employer, or call your plan administrator to determine the coverage levels available for you.

Does insurance cover therapy for 'Automobile Accident Injuries'?

Yes it does. Massage Therapy fees are often fully covered. Insurance coverage is governed under a standard plan and a set of procedures established by Provincial Law.

At the time you call 'Safran therapies' for an appointment, we will begin working together to accumulate the necessary information, forms and 'approvals' required by law.

Your first appointment, to a large extent, will be focused on assessing your condition so that we will be able to complete the required 'treatment plan' form. The 'treatment plan' will then be submitted to your insurance carrier for approval. Our main goal will be in helping with this process and the pain you are dealing with.

Your therapy fees will be invoiced directly to your insurance carrier. However, if you have 'health insurance' coverage from another plan, your car insurance carrier may require you to use up that coverage before they begin payments.

Do I need a referral from my Doctor?

Generally, you do not require a Doctor's referral.

Regarding health insurance claims... sometimes 'yes' and sometimes 'no'. It usually depends on the Health Insurance Plan. So check the information provided by your plan. From my experience, mostly it has not been required.

Regarding Auto Accident Injuries (MVAs), this may require working with your Doctor... and we will work with you in determining this as well.

Regarding your own individual choice to get help in handling a 'Chronic Problem'... you do not need the referral of your Doctor. However, we would look forward to keeping your Doctor informed should your Doctor wish to formally refer you to us for treatment.

How often do I need to have treatments?

The number of sessions recommended, as well as the frequency of visits, depends on factors such as the severity of the condition, tissue response to treatments, tissue quality, client involvement & motivation, and so on. People are different in many ways, so their treatment programs also need to reflect that.

It is also generally important not to over treat a patient's condition. This means that if we begin with two sessions a week, we will want to progress to once a week as soon as possible... and then to every other week. it is just important not to have too much time in between sessions so that we can maintain the progress momentum. Some guidelines may include:

Give the body a chance to process the "therapy".

Give the client a chance to do the supporting "homework".

Give the tissues time for proper "integration" & "regeneration".

I feel uneasy with a male therapist.

Joel Safran has been working in this profession for over 15 years. His clients have been both men and women of all ages.

With anyone, the first session seems to be the most difficult because it is an introduction to the unknown. Almost all clients, both men and women, quickly pass though this 'introduction stage'... and have been pleased with his work and his professionalism.

If you feel uneasy about working with a male therapist... Perhaps this is part of the healing process you need to seek out and choose. Choose to pass through this feeling... You probably will be pleased you did.

Joel Safran, RMT

over 20 years experience

(416) 665-9737