Episode 54 - Questions and Concerns Related to Fees and Billing of Physiotherapy Services
The CPTA's College Conversations
Release Date: 11/15/2023
The CPTA's College Conversations
Speakers: Jody Prohar and Leanne Loranger “Vestibular physiotherapist’, ‘sports physiotherapist’, ‘advanced practice physiotherapist’, ‘performance physiotherapist…’ On this episode, we ask what’s wrong with being ‘just’ a physiotherapist? In this conversation, we review the requirements of the Titles, Credentials and Specialty Designations Standard of Practice, highlighting the importance of clarity and transparency when communicating with clients, potential clients and members of the public. We also discuss the technological disruptions that are currently...
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Hosts: Leanne Loranger & Sean FitzGerald Date: October 1, 2025 Description: In this episode, Leanne and Sean dive deep into the realities of conflict of interest (COI) in physiotherapy practice. They explore how COI isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how your actions are perceived by others. Drawing on real-world scenarios from private practice, public sector, and clinical education, they unpack the concept of fiduciary duty, different types of conflicts (actual, potential, perceived), and why recognizing even perceived conflicts is crucial for ethical practice. ...
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Speakers: Jody Prohar and Leanne Loranger On this episode of the College Conversations podcast, Jody and Leanne discuss the Code of Ethical Conduct and the Core Professional Values and how these foundational documents can help guide physiotherapist actions when the Standards do not specifically address a situation. Jody and Leanne discuss two common situations where being a regulated physiotherapist means fulfilling responsibilities to peers and the profession as a whole. The Code of Ethical Conduct includes responsibilities to the patient, the public, and to self and the profession. Being a...
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Speakers: Sean FitzGerald and Leanne Loranger In the private sector, physiotherapists are always trying to find ways to market the services they provide and explain what they can offer to their clients. One approach that the College has observed is the practice of referring to a physiotherapist’s practice focus or area of interest. On this episode, Sean and Leanne discuss performance expectations that apply to the use of these marketing approaches, and the College’s perspective on the use of these strategies. Do you have a practice focus? What about an area of...
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Speakers: Sean FitzGerald and Leanne Loranger In 2025 the College added performance expectations to the Standards of Practice related to how physiotherapists interact with colleagues, students, and others. These expectations are especially relevant to the people a physiotherapist supervises or has authority over. Does it go without saying that physiotherapists treat others with respect and are thoughtful about power and power imbalances? Some may argue that this type of expectation is, or should be, unnecessary, however research and surveys of Alberta physiotherapists suggest otherwise....
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Speakers: Sean FitzGerald and Leanne Loranger In 2025 a new standard of practice related to virtual care by Alberta physiotherapists came into effect. On this episode, Sean and Leanne discuss the history and evolution of the regulation of virtual care by the CPTA and the expectations physiotherapists need to meet when providing virtual physiotherapy services. They highlight the resources available to help physiotherapists understand what is required when providing virtual care, including the Virtual Care Guide published in 2025. Much has changed in the virtual health care sector...
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Speakers: Jody Prohar and Leanne Loranger Up to date member profile information matters for physiotherapists because it can: · Help to prevent the physiotherapist’s registration number from being used to fraudulently bill for services the physiotherapist did not provide. · Help to ensure a former most responsible physiotherapist is not held responsible for issues related to physiotherapy services delivered after they have left a practice setting. · Help to connect...
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Speakers: Jody Prohar and Leanne Loranger Evidence-informed practice is foundational to physiotherapy practice. As a profession, physiotherapists take pride in the fact that physiotherapy is an evidence-informed profession. When the new Evidence-Informed Practice Standard of Practice were implemented on January 1, 2025, new performance expectations came into effect which physiotherapists must be aware of. Do you know what’s expected of you when it comes to monitoring the aggregate outcomes you achieve with the use of different treatment approaches, and how to use that clinician...
info_outlineSpeakers: Jody Prohar, Sean FitzGerald, and Leanne Loranger
In this episode, Jody, Sean, and Leanne discuss common questions and issues related to physiotherapy business practices.
· Is it appropriate for a physiotherapist to continue to sell their services without demonstrable progress towards the patient’s goals, or is that a conflict of interest?
· Where does demonstrable progress fit into decisions about providing ongoing care or discharging a patient?
· What about maintenance plans for patients with chronic conditions?
· Are there rules or requirements to keep in mind when selling physiotherapy equipment or products?
· What about incentive contracts that see physiotherapists receive a bonus based on volume of product sales?
· What are the risks of accepting pre-payment for physiotherapy services?
We address all these questions in this episode.
Resources:
· Conflict of Interest Standard of Practice
· Fees and Billing Standard of Practice
Links: