Frequently Asked Questions
Ali has TWO separate professional licenses:
- Certified Athletic Therapist or CAT(C) (License #24899)
- Registered Clinical Counsellor or RCC (License #22529)
Is it Kinesiology?
In my opinion, Athletic Therapy was poorly named, at least for my private practice. This is because I no longer work for a sports team or provide first responder care at sporting events. Athletic Therapy is not just for athletes, we help people of all ages and abilities. It is also not simply exercise prescription. At Meraki, you can picture Athletic Therapy like a hybrid between what you would expect at physiotherapy, massage therapy and kinesiology (exercise therapy).
Athletic Therapy is a 4 year Bachelor Degree followed by final certifying board exams. Athletic Therapy is specifically focused on the assessment and treatment of orthopedic injuries – the musculoskeletal system – which includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, fascia.
Physiotherapy is a 2 year Master’s degree with a wider scope of practice which includes orthopedics, cardio-respiratory rehab, pediatrics, geriatrics, stroke rehab, and neurological disorders. Usually physiotherapists will take continuing education to expand on an area of interest once graduated.
While they are two distinct professional designations with a different scope of practice, a lot of time treatment outcomes and techniques are similar.
It is the patient’s responsibility to know their specific coverage. Look for and confirm this specific wording on your plan:
Registered Clinical Counselling (RCC)NOT Psychiatrist or Psychologist.
Information you may need:
Alanna Boudewyn
BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) #22529.
Certified Athletic Therapy, NOT Physiotherapy.
Information you may need:
Ali (or Alanna) Boudewyn, Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA) & Athletic Therapists Association of BC (ATABC) Certified Athletic Therapist #24899
Always confirm your coverage directly with your plan’s provider before your first appointment.
*Please also see FAQ on direct billing.
MSP does not cover registered clinical counselling or certified athletic therapy fees. If cost is a barrier, please enquire about a sliding scale fee option (we take a limited number of low-fee clients at a time).
FAQS
No, we do not take ICBC or WorkSafe claims cases.
At Meraki we believe that the patient-therapist alliance is sacred and should be focused on the therapy. The therapist should not be having business interactions with 3rd party insurance providers (not our place/confidentiality concern). An individual’s specific insurance policy and negotiating coverage is between them and their selected insurance provider.
Thus, we do not offer direct billing. We take full payment for the session at the scheduled appointment time and provide a comprehensive receipt with all the details insurance companies require.
Parking is free! The best place to park is if you see the big Westridge Landing sign on Wale Road, turn off Wale Road to go in behind the Holiday Inn Express. Here you will find the hotel loading zone and main entrance, The Sawmill Pub and Coastal Offices.
We are located inside the Coastal Offices main entrance (all other office building entrances are locked).
The first time is often confusing, so give yourself 5 extra minutes to ensure that you are on time for your appointment.
An intake form(s) will be emailed to you, please complete this prior to your appointment, otherwise it takes up precious therapy time.
If you are unable to complete the paperwork online, please email info@merakiws.com or leave a voicemail at 250-940-2854 in advance so that we can have the papers ready for you at the front desk. In this case, please arrive 10-15min early.
For Athletic Therapy services (including SoftWave Tissue Regeneration), please bring or wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows for easy access to the skin of the treatment area(s).
Your appointment starts and ends on the scheduled time!
If it is your first time finding the office, allow yourself 10-15 extra minutes to locate the building, find parking, use the washroom and change (if applicable). We suggest reading the information at the bottom of your welcome email as it provides direction!
FAQS
Ali is a Certified Athletic Therapist (CAT(C)) through the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA) and the Athletic Therapists Association of BC (ATABC) and Clinical Exercise Physiologist through The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP-CEP).
Is it Kinesiology?
Athletic Therapy is a 4 year Bachelor Degree followed by final certifying board exams. Athletic Therapy is specifically focused on the assessment and treatment of orthopedic injuries – the musculoskeletal system – which includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, fascia.
Physiotherapy is a 2 year Master’s degree with a wider scope of practice which includes orthopedics, cardio-respiratory rehab, pediatrics, geriatrics, stroke rehab, and neurological disorders. Usually physiotherapists will take continuing education to expand on an area of interest once graduated.
While they are two distinct professional designations with a different scope of practice, a lot of time treatment outcomes and techniques are similar.
Like going to any health service (i.e dental, massage), it is important to first check your health benefits policy. There are thousands of plans and we can’t know them all, so it is your responsibility to know what your individual plan includes.
Certified Athletic Therapy often has its own category or is sometimes included under Physiotherapy. If you are unsure, the best thing to do is call your plan’s provider.
Here is the information they will ask for:
Alanna (Ali) Boudewyn
CAT(C)
Certified Athletic Therapist via the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association and the Athletic Therapists Association of BC.
Registration or Practitioner #: 24899
*FUN FACT! The neat thing is, if you have Athletic Therapy coverage, you can claim your personal training at Meraki!
No, Athletic Therapy is not MSP eligible.
Yes, we take cases organized through law firms. Terms of service apply. Please contact us for further information.
Unfortunately, BC is one of the only provinces that does not provide the option of direct billing for Athletic Therapy. We’re working on changing this!
Following payment, you will be emailed a detailed receipt outfitted for making a claim.
No, you do not need a doctor’s referral, however, some health plans require a doctor’s note to accompany your claim. Please consult your individual benefits plan to ensure you follow their specific protocols.
The best place to park is if you see the big Westridge Landing sign on Wale Road, turn off Wale Road to go in behind the Holiday Inn Express. Here you will find free parking for the hotel, 328 Tap House and Coastal Offices. Meraki WS is located inside the Coastal Offices main entrance nestled in the corner to the right of 328 Tap House.
You will be emailed an Intake Form. Please fill this out to the best of your ability.
If you are an ICBC claim, you must attend with:
- A claim number.
- A doctors referral for Athletic Therapy or Exercise Rehabilitation.
Stay in Touch
Become a Meraki Member by signing up for the newsletter!
Why? Meraki offers limited amounts of deals and specialized treatments to members only.
The best part? We don’t believe in spamming.
Expect less than 12 emails per year.
Become a Meraki Member by signing up for the newsletter!
Why?
Meraki offers limited amounts of deals and specialized treatments
to members only.
The best part?
We don’t believe in spamming.
Expect less than 12 emails per year.