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New Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Treatment Options

Alberta Health Services has recently changed the options available after hip and knee replacement surgery. Prior to June 1, 2024, regardless of whether you have had hip or knee replacement surgery, your only treatment option was to take part in group sessions unless there were certain post-surgical complications that would make you eligible for 1:1 treatment. Alberta Health Services would not cover 1:1 treatment when the patient opted out of group treatment.


With this recent change in direction, you now have the option to have 1:1 treatment or to participate in group sessions. Your initial assessment remains the same, and the next steps in terms of treatment will be determined by you and your therapist based on your progress following your surgery.

NOTE -You cannot at this time switch back and forth between group and 1:1 treatment and have it covered by AHS

        Old model: Before June 1/24

        New model:  After June 1/24

1 assessment and 6 group sessions for hip or knee

1 assessment and 4 1:1 sessions for hip

1 assessment and 6 1:1 sessions for knee

1:1 treatment only available in certain situations due to complications after surgery

                                OR

 

1 assessment and 6 group sessions hip or knee


What if I have started group classes and wish to continue them?

You can finish off your group sessions without any changes.

 

What if I have started group classes and wish to switch to 1:1 sessions?

You may switch to 1:1 sessions. You will have available the number of sessions under the new model keeping in mind that group sessions already attended count in these numbers. i.e:

  • If you have had hip replacement surgery and have had your assessment and 2 group sessions; you would have 2 1:1 sessions left rather than four group sessions left.

  • If you have had knee replacement surgery and have had your assessment and 2 group sessions you would have 4 1:1 sessions left.

 

What if I had decided that I did not want to participate in group sessions and had started attending 1:1 sessions using my extended health insurance or I have been paying myself?

If your surgery date is after March 1, 2024 you are eligible for 1 Assessment and 6 treatments (Knee) or 1 Assessment and 4 treatments (Hip). You may access AHS funded treatment for 1:1 sessions but AHS will not “back date” and cover the sessions you have already paid for.

 


At your assessment following joint replacement surgery, your therapist will discuss what method of treatment they feel will be the most beneficial for your particular situation based on your progress and treatment goals as well as what method of treatment you are most interested in.


If you have questions following your surgery while you are waiting to begin your rehab sessions we are here to help. Call us with your questions at 780-438-0001.


Knee physiotherapy assessment

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