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OPA’s Auto Insurance Toolkit: Physiotherapy Quick Guide

A Resource Exclusively for OPA Members

This guide is designed to simplify the complexity of motor vehicle accident (MVA) care and billing in Ontario. Whether you’re new to the system or looking to streamline your workflow, this resource provides practical, clinic-ready guidance for navigating SABS, HCAI, and OCF processes.

As part of OPA’s commitment to supporting physiotherapists in the auto sector, members also have access to MVA/HCAI consulting support for case-specific questions, billing challenges, and workflow optimization.

As an OPA member, you have access to:

  • Individualized one-on-one consulting support. Members can send questions about case-specific billing questions, OCF form guidance (OCF-18, OCF-23, etc.), denied or delayed payment troubleshooting, or workflow optimization for clinics. Login to access this support.
  • Simplified MVA/HCAI resources (like this guide)
  • Up-to-date regulatory and billing changes
  • Practical coding and documentation guidance

Members: Login to access the following information:

  1. Understanding the System
  2. Core Workflow
  3. Forms Overview
  4. Billing and Extended Health Benefits
  5. Coding
  6. GAP Codes and Units
  7. The Easiest Coding Approach for an OCF-18
  8. Virtual Care Codes
  9. Providers
  10. Common Mistakes
  11. Summary of Resources

Partner with PaRx: A Prescription for Nature 

September 4, 2025

Two young children playing outside in the summer. One boy plays with a stick in some water while another leaps over the stream.

OPA recently partnered with PaRx, an initiative of the BC Parks Foundation, driven by health-care professionals who want to improve their patients’ health by connecting them to nature. Featuring practical resources like quick tips and patient handouts, PaRx’s goal is to make prescribing time in nature simple, fun and effective.  

OPA welcomes our members across Ontario to become partners with PaRx, access their resources, and encourage clients to spend more time in nature.  

Register for PaRx to learn more about the health benefits of nature, access exclusive resources, and join the national nature-health movement. 

5 Reasons To Prescribe Nature with PaRx 
 

1. It’s easy and effective. Health-care providers are always looking for simple, practical interventions they can make to improve their patients’ lives. The beauty of PaRx is that almost anyone can increase the time they spend in nature, no matter what their physical abilities are or where they live.

A growing body of research suggests that spending time in nature has a wide range of positive effects on human health. From reduced chronic disease to improved birth outcomes—over and above the benefits of exercise. Learn more about the health benefits of nature here

2. Writing it down works better. Studies suggest that written prescriptions are better received than oral advice in motivating patients to make a change. 
 
3. Patients trust their health-care providers. Surveys reveal that health-care providers consistently rank among the most trusted professionals in the country.
 
4. Prescribing nature is good for the earth. Research shows that people who are more connected to nature do more to protect it. So not only are you improving your patients’ health, but you’re also doing your part for the planet. 
 
5. We’re reducing barriers for your patients. To ensure that everyone in Canada has ready access to the health benefits of nature, PaRx is collaborating with outdoor organizations like Parks Canada to provide free or discounted access to green and blue spaces for patients in most need. 
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A Chat with the College: Fostering Connections, New National Standards and Making Progress with EDI

Speakers: Nitin Madhvani, CPO President, Craig Roxborough, Registrar and CEO, and Mary-Catherine Fraser Saxena, PT and Practice Advisor

Thank you to all who joined the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario for an OPA pre-conference webinar.

Speakers:

  • Nitin Madhvani, CPO President
  • Craig Roxborough, Registrar and CEO
  • Mary-Catherine Fraser Saxena, PT and Practice Advisor

“The interests of the public and the interests of the profession are almost always aligned. We are all working toward a common goal – to provide safe and effective care to Ontarians.”– Nitin Madhvani, President of the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario (CPO) shared those words during March 5’s Chat with the College.

He was joined by Craig Roxborough, CEO & Registrar, Mary Catherine Fraser-Saxena, Practice Advisor, OPA staff, and many physiotherapists. The CPO shared their approach to “right-touch” regulation, their strategic plan, and engagement with equity and inclusion.

We heard about the role of the Practice Advisors, the purpose of Practice Standards and the work CPO is doing to incorporate the national standards into practice in Ontario.

The collaborative chat was a great exchange!

Physiotherapists & Kinesiologists Education & Scope Comparison

August 8, 2023

The Ministry of Health’s Health Force Ontario recommended that providing clarity on roles and responsibilities, including scopes of practice and competencies, is important to building a strong foundation for interprofessional care.

OPA has developed a resource to help with that clarity for physiotherapists and kinesiologists. The resource aims to increase understanding of these two regulated professions in the physical rehabilitation sector in Ontario, with key differences in scope of practice, core educational requirements and complexity of conditions they assess, treat and manage.

We extend thanks to those who reviewed the document and provided input including physiotherapy academic leaders, the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario, the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and the Ontario Kinesiology Association.

Physiotherapy Research at Your Fingertips

College of Physiotherapists of Ontario Evidence-Informed Practice Standard

Physiotherapists are expected to integrate the best available research evidence with their clinical expertise and patients’ values to guide assessment and treatment decisions. This approach ensures that physiotherapy care is grounded in scientifically credible information, supports optimal patient outcomes, and includes clear communication about the evidence behind any conventional, emerging, or complementary therapies offered. 

Physiotherapy Canada Journal

Physiotherapy Canada publishes the results of qualitative and quantitative research including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, meta syntheses, public/health policy research, clinical practice guidelines, and case reports. PTC is available in print and online. Login to CPA gain full access. 

OrthoEvidence

The Canadian Physiotherapy Association has partnered with OrthoEvidence™ to provide members with free unrestricted access to OrthoEvidence™

Rehabilitation Measures Database

General Sources for Evidence/Research

Pubmed

Cochrane Database

Mental Health Supports

The following resources were curated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Access them today to get more support for your mental health.

The Ontario government mental health support.

CMAH and the University of Toronto developed a weekly program called ECHO Coping with COVID. Designed for health care professionals, it is a space for them to connect virtually and gain new skills, knowledge, and confidence in caring for themselves and their clients during COVID-19. Access over 100 resources and presentations.

Bounce Back Ontario has designed 10 tips focused on how to reduce anxiety, stress, and worry related to COVID-19.

Breaking Free online offers free access to addiction and substance use programs to help alleviate pressure on services and provide support to clients who can no longer access interventions. Access the program.

IG Vital Health Psychotherapy Clinic offers free mental health support in the form of therapy for newcomers to Canada and refugees.

Crisis Services Canada is a 24/7 national network of distress, crisis and suicide prevention line services. This service is available across Canada via toll-free phone, or text in English.

A safe space to talk, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline. Call or text 9-8-8.

The Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO) provides support to caregivers.

If none of the options above work for you call 211 to find mental health support across Ontario.

Webinar Slides: What does it take to care for a person after a moderate/severe TBI?

The important role of physiotherapy – moderate/severe TBI

Toronto Rehab at UHN and OPA hosted two TBI webinars in November and December 2023. These webinars explored how you can get the most out of the living updates to the Canadian Clinical Practice Guideline for the Rehabilitation of Adults with Moderate to Severe TBI. The presentation slides are available for all to view.

Speakers: Judith Gargaro, HBSc, MEd & Shannon McGuire, PT

View Slides

Webinar Slides: What does it take to care for a person after a mild TBI/concussion?

The important role of physiotherapy – mild TBI/concussion


Toronto Rehab at UHN and OPA hosted two TBI webinars in November and December 2023.
These webinars explored how you can get the most out of the living updates to the Canadian Clinical Practice Guideline for the Rehabilitation of Adults with Moderate to Severe TBI. The presentation slides are available for all to view.


Speakers: Judith Gargaro, HBSc, MEd & Charlotte Anderson, MSc, PT, Ph.D.


View Slides

Financial Webinar – Cash Flow Management

Cash Flow Management

This webinar will discuss the optimal way to manage your cash flow whether you are an employee or an independent contractor. It will discuss how to set your banking up and how to spend within your means.

Speaker: Brian E. Shumak, B.Sc., CLU, CFP, CHS, CEA, EPC, CFDS, TEP

Members: Login to access webinar.

About Brian E. Shumak

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto in 1990, he moved into the Insurance Business to continue a fifty-year family history. Since his initial foray into the insurance world, Brian has excelled in the corporate and personal arenas of Financial Planning, Employee Benefits, Wealth Management and Estate Planning.

After completing the university level Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) curriculum in 1998 and obtaining his designation, Brian ventured abroad to work in one of the world’s financial capitals in Zurich, Switzerland.

Upon his return, he resumed an active role in the Financial Planning World, obtaining his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation in 2003, the Trust and Estate Planning (TEP) designation in 2004, the Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist (CFDS) designation in 2016, his Certified Health Insurance Specialist (CHS), Elder Planning Counselor (EPC) designations in 2017 and his Certified Executor Advisor (CEA) in 2022. He also served on the Board of Directors at Advocis in 2004 and 2005 as the Director of Mentoring where he redesigned the program from top to bottom. In addition, he continued to build his successful practice.