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Go Back   Disability Claims Guide

Connecting to primary care for Short-Term Disability (STD) claims

We understand that navigating the health care system and getting timely access to primary care can be difficult, especially in the early stages of a new Short-Term Disability (STD) claim and if you do not have a family physician. We’re here to help, with answers to frequently asked questions and links to useful resources.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How does the timeline for seeing a doctor impact my STD claim?

    A completed Attending Physician Statement (APS) form is required to begin an STD claim. Please be mindful of deadlines for submitting claim information.

  2. What if I can't be seen/treated before the claiming deadline?

    Timely access to a primary care provider is important for treatment and recovery, as well as for minimizing the impact of your work absence. Benefits may not be payable until the date you are first seen and treated.

  3. Can the Attending Physician Statement (APS) be completed at a walk-in clinic?

    Yes. There are free resources including Medimap and Pathways Medical Care Directory that can help find local care providers, including walk-in clinics.

  4. Can the APS form be completed by a chiropractor or nurse practitioner?

    The Attending Physician Statement (APS) should be completed by a physician. In some situations, having the APS completed by a chiropractor or nurse practitioner (NP) may be accepted for an initial brief period of the claim, until you are able to be seen by a physician. If you’re unsure about having an APS completed by a chiropractor or NP in your situation, please call us to discuss. 

Support finding primary care

Here are some resources and tips that may help you find a primary care provider who will be able to complete your APS form.

  • Vancouver Coastal Health has tips on finding care.
  • Many Divisions of Family Practice offer to connect patients to a family doctor. Please contact your local division for more information. Call 1 800 665-2262. 
  • Ask friends and family members for recommendations.
  • Ask walk-in clinic providers that you have seen if they are accepting new patients.
  • Contact clinics accepting new patients to book an intake appointment. Check sandwich boards and business websites to see if clinics are accepting new patients.
  • Register with the Health Connect Registry to connect with primary care providers.
  • Search FindaDoctorBC.ca to see local clinics that may be accepting new patients.

If you’re experiencing ongoing difficulties in connecting with a primary care provider, you may want to explore virtual care options.

 

Support finding virtual care

Some virtual care providers may be able to complete a digital APS form for your STD claim. 

Pacific Blue Cross members can access several virtual care options, most of which are at no cost. Options include:

The Canadian Medical Association’s guide on navigating a virtual care visit helps answer some frequently asked questions about using virtual health care services.

If you have any other questions about your APS form or your Short-Term Disability claim, please contact our Work & Wellness team at 604 419-8040, toll-free on 1 877 722-2583 (press 1 and then press 4) or at WorkAndWellness@pac.bluecross.ca (Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm PT).