WCB Medical Aid and Physiotherapy Denials in Alberta

Why WCB Denies Medical Aid and Physiotherapy

Workers across Alberta often face similar reasons for denials:

• “Not typically supported” treatments – WCB may refuse physiotherapy, equipment, or medications because they fall outside standard guidelines.
  
  

• Blanket cut-offs – many workers are cut off after a set number of sessions, regardless of medical progress.
  
  

• Preference for cheaper alternatives – WCB often suggests a resistance band or “home exercise” instead of equipment your therapist deems medically necessary.
  
  

• Administrative or paperwork errors – missing reports or unclear documentation can lead to wrongful denials.
  
  

These decisions may save WCB money, but they come at the expense of your recovery.

Types of Medical Aid Denials

Some of the most common issues Alberta workers face include:

• Physiotherapy sessions cut short – denied before proper recovery is achieved.
  
  

• Medication or medical devices refused – braces, splints, hearing aids, or prescribed medications rejected.
  
  

• Travel, parking, or meal expenses denied – costs related to treatment not reimbursed.
  
  

• Requests for home exercise equipment refused – simple items like weights or stationary bikes dismissed as “unnecessary.”
  
  

Each of these denials can directly impact your ability to heal and safely return to work.

Your Rights Under WCB Policy 

WCB Policy makes it clear:

• Medical aid decisions must be based on individual medical necessity, not blanket rules.
  
  

• Workers are entitled to treatments, devices, and supports that promote recovery or reduce the effects of the injury.
  
  

• Entitlement must be determined on the individual merits of the case.
  
  

This means WCB cannot simply say “not typically supported” and deny you. They must consider your doctor’s recommendations, your medical condition, and the specific supports you need to recover.

How the Appeal Process Works

If WCB has denied your physiotherapy, equipment, or medical aid, you can appeal the decision:

1. File Review – request your claim file and understand the reasoning behind the denial.
   
   

2. DRDRB Review – submit a written appeal to the Dispute Resolution and Decision Review Body, supported with medical evidence.
   
   

3. Appeals Commission – if DRDRB upholds the denial, escalate to the Appeals Commission, which is an independent tribunal with authority to overturn WCB’s decisions.
   
   

With proper representation, many medical aid denials are successfully overturned.

How Claimstead Helps

As experienced WCB consultants in Calgary and across Alberta, we know how to fight denials and secure the treatments you need:

• Challenge denials of physiotherapy, medications, and medical devices.
  
  

• Provide medical justification through reports, therapist notes, and expert evidence.
  
  

• Appeal denials at both DRDRB and the Appeals Commission.
  
  

• Ensure fair consideration of your case, based on medical necessity and WCB policy.
  
  

We make sure WCB respects your doctor’s recommendations and does not dismiss your recovery needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did WCB deny my physiotherapy sessions?
WCB often limits treatment to a set number of visits, regardless of whether you’ve fully recovered. These cut-offs can be appealed with supporting medical evidence.

Can WCB refuse to cover equipment like weights or braces?
They sometimes do, but under Policy, any device that promotes recovery or reduces the effects of your injury should be considered.

Do I need a lawyer to appeal medical aid denials?
No. Claimstead provides representation at both DRDRB and the Appeals Commission. You do not need a lawyer to challenge these decisions.

Take Action on Your WCB Medical Aid Denial

If your WCB physiotherapy, equipment, or medical aid was denied in Alberta, don’t accept it as final. You have rights under WCB policy, and with the right representation, denials can be overturned.

👉 Contact Claimstead today for help with your WCB medical aid denial appeal in Alberta. We fight to make sure your recovery needs are not ignored.