VAC'S New Massage Therapist Rules

VETERANS AFFAIRS CANADA (VAC) PROGRAM OF CHOICE (POC) 12 – RELATED HEALTH SERVICES
(MASSAGE THERAPISTS)
FREQUENCY CHANGE – ALL PROVINCES

December 2011
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) would like to advise you of a change in the benefit for Massage
Therapy under Program of Choice (POC) 12 – Related Health Services (Massage Therapists).
249432 MASSAGE THERAPIST – VISIT

Effective January 1st, 2012, the limit for the benefit code described above will change from $800/CY
to 15 one-hour sessions per calendar year.

Providers will be reimbursed their usual and customary charges per hourly session up to the
maximum rate as indicated on the benefit grid.

Pre-Authorization

Effective March 2011, you no longer need to request an authorization number on a yearly basis for
most clients, as this benefit now only requires pre-authorization the very first time a client accesses
the benefit. In most cases, you will only need to provide verification that a physician’s prescription
has been obtained on a yearly basis. If a client is expected to require more sessions in one
calendar year, you must request authorization from the VAC Treatment Authorization Centre (TAC).
In order to avoid delays in payment, it is important to request authorization for additional sessions
as soon as it is evident they will be required.

Please communicate this information to the members of your association. Members may direct
their inquiries to their regional Blue Cross office by calling toll free 1-888-261-4033.
Thank you for the ongoing care and service you provide to our Veterans.