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Acute Low Back Injuries Program of Care


Changes to Acute Low Back Injuries Program of Care

The Acute Low Back Injuries Program of Care (ALBI POC), is an evidence-based health care delivery plan that describes treatment shown to be effective for injured workers with a low back injury.

The program delivers the best recovery outcomes for workers with this type of low back injury. Workers treated in the ALBI POC achieve better health and functional outcomes, including earlier return to work, when compared to workers treated in fee-for-service care. 

What is changing?

To achieve optimal recovery and return to work outcomes for workers, we have made changes to the ALBI POC. We want all workers to benefit from the POC.

Highlights of the changes include:  

  • All workers with a new low back injury on/or after March 28, 2011 will be treated in the ALBI POC 
  • If a health professional determines a worker is not suitable for the ALBI POC, or they require more care after the POC, they must contact the WSIB ALBI POC at 416-344-5739 or toll-free 1-866-716-1299, which is available Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • The WSIB will only pay for treatment provided through the ALBI POC for workers who begin initial treatment within six weeks of date of injury or recurrence. Fee-for-service care will not be covered as a first line of care for this period.

Have questions?

For further details on the changes to the ALBI POC, refer to our Q&A.

Materials for download, for workers with an injury sustained on or after March 28, 2011 (new)

What is the program’s focus?

The Program of Care is specific to the treatment of workers with a low back injury for up to 8 weeks of care, from the date of first assessment/treatment.  It includes two phases of care, Phase 1 (weeks 1-4) and Phase 2 (weeks 5-8). It focuses on the best treatment interventions after a low back injury has occurred, which includes:

  • Patient education
  • Pain and self-management strategies to help the worker return to daily activities
  • Injury treatment (stretching exercises, spinal manipulation and/or mobilization)
  • Progressive pain management steps
  • Transition to work

Participation requirements

To participate in programs of care, health care practitioners must complete the following form: Instructions for Delivering Programs of Care (POC) (96.1kb, PDF)

Programs of care provider directory

Find a health professional who can deliver the Acute Low Back Injuries Program of Care or report changes to your listing in this directory.

 

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