Read the service description alongside the label

Booking menus can use labels such as initial assessment, new patient, follow-up, subsequent visit or reassessment. Treat these as instructions from that clinic, rather than assuming the words mean exactly the same thing everywhere.

Jane's booking guidance describes how clinics can restrict returning-patient services and even ask new patients to contact the clinic instead of booking online. An available time is not enough to establish that you are eligible for it.

Sources: Jane: online booking restrictions for returning patients.

What the assessment is for

HealthLink BC describes a physiotherapist examining you, discussing symptoms and daily activities, and working with you on a treatment plan. Leave room for that assessment when selecting a first appointment; do not choose a follow-up simply because it is shorter or available sooner.

Ask the clinic what its first visit includes, the appointment length, the fee and whether there is anything to complete or bring in advance. Avoid assuming that every assessment includes the same treatment or lasts the same amount of time.

Sources: HealthLink BC: physiotherapy.

Returning patients can still need clarification

  • A new concern: Ask whether to book a reassessment, initial visit or follow-up.
  • A long gap since your last visit: Check whether the clinic has a return-to-care booking rule.
  • A different practitioner or clinic: Ask which appointment allows time to review your history.
  • A funded claim: Confirm the correct service category and required claim information.

These are situations to ask about, not universal rules. Reception or your physiotherapist can tell you which appointment matches their process.

Use this message when the menu is unclear

I've [never visited your clinic / previously seen you for a different concern / not visited since a particular date]. I'm hoping to book with [practitioner] about [brief description]. Should I choose an initial assessment, reassessment or follow-up, and how long should I book?

Use the clinic's preferred contact method and provide only the detail it needs to direct your booking. You can discuss the full history through its intake process.

Check the exact treatment before leaving Knead

When comparing openings, read the treatment name, duration, practitioner and branch. Pay attention to returning-patient restrictions and confirm the clinic's instructions on its booking page.

If the only visible options are follow-ups and you are new, contact the clinic rather than reserving a service you may not be eligible for. After completing the correct booking, check the confirmation and any intake instructions.

Read our Vancouver physiotherapy guide for an introduction to care. If paperwork or payment is the remaining question, see referral requirements or direct billing.

Sources and scope

This guide explains booking and payment questions. Your clinic confirms appointment eligibility; your insurer or Health Insurance BC confirms benefits. Sources were checked on 2026-10-12.