Aviva Canada Inc, one of Canada’s largest property and casualty insurance groups, announced today an innovative program in Ontario designed to make it easier for customers with soft tissue injuries to receive quality healthcare services immediately following an automobile collision.
Aviva Canada Inc, one of Canada’s largest property and casualty insurance groups, announced today an innovative program in Ontario designed to make it easier for customers with soft tissue injuries to receive quality healthcare services immediately following an automobile collision. The services, based on the latest healthcare research, enable customers to receive treatment immediately after a collision by accessing one of several pre-approved clinics.
The program will be launched in Ontario before being rolled out nationally. Under the program, if a customer sustains a soft tissue injury in an automobile collision they are guaranteed an appointment at one of dozens of participating clinics within a day. Participation in the program is completely voluntary, and customers can select from our list of participating clinics. Alternatively, they can choose the services of their own healthcare provider outside of the premiere healthcare program. Healthcare specialists at participating clinics determine the extent of the injuries and deliver treatment based on the most up to date scientific evidence.
“With this unique program our customers will have access to the services they need when they need them. Healthcare professionals agree that with timely, appropriate and accessible care, patients should get better quickly, return to their regular activities sooner, and are less likely to develop chronic disabilities,” says Igal Mayer, president and CEO, Aviva Canada Inc.
“Our customers also tell us that they get bogged down by the complicated processes and the vast numbers of forms they have to complete just to get approval for healthcare services,” continues Mr Mayer. “Through Premiere Healthcare we have streamlined the process for accessing healthcare benefits and have made sure they are customer friendly.”
Soft tissue injuries are the result of a sprain, strain or bruise to muscle, tendon or ligament. These injuries account for 80% of injury claims after an accident (according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada). Whiplash is the most common type of soft tissue injury that occurs as a result of a car accident. Research suggests that providing an injured person with timely and properly prescribed treatment results in faster recovery, helps the person return to normal activities as soon as possible and reduces the burden on the healthcare system.
“In the past, people with whiplash injuries were often encouraged to rest and stop normal activities, or wear a bulky collar so they wouldn’t move their neck,” says Dr Sally Nikolaj, president, Nikolaj Consulting Inc. “We now know that, in most cases, these approaches to treatment don’t work and may even make people worse.”
Nikolaj, an authority on evidence based approaches to injury management, says a growing body of up-to-date research shows that the best way to recover from soft tissue injuries – including whiplash - is to remain active, exercise and keep up with normal activities while receiving treatment.
In many cases, customers who have been involved in automobile collisions have to deal with complicated administrative processes that result in delays in treatment, causing unneeded suffering and extended healing time of injuries. Under the premiere healthcare program, the customer has immediate access to pre-approved healthcare services. If the customer has not improved within six weeks following a collision, their condition will be re-evaluated, and if needed, they will be referred for a more intensive approach to rehabilitation.
The customer is encouraged to be an active and informed participant throughout the course of treatment. The program is completely voluntary to Aviva insurance customers and comes at no added cost.
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For more information contact:
Sally Turney
Corporate Communications
Aviva Canada Inc.
416-701-4409
sally_turney@avivacanada.com
Elynn Wareham
Maverick Public Relations Inc.
416-640-5525 x236
elynnw@maverickpr.com
Notes to editors:
About Aviva Canada
Aviva Canada Inc is one of the leading Property and Casualty insurance groups in Canada whose member companies write the largest amount of automobile insurance in Ontario. We provide home, automobile and business insurance, and premier claims service to over 3 million customers. We have more than 3,100 employees, 40 locations and over 3,000 independent broker partners from coast to coast. Aviva Canada Inc’s member companies are: Aviva Insurance Company of Canada, Pilot Insurance Company, Traders General Insurance Company, Elite Insurance Company, and Scottish & York Insurance Co Limited, and S&Y Insurance Company. Aviva Canada Inc is a wholly owned subsidiary of UK-based Aviva plc, the world’s sixth largest insurance group. Visit our web site at avivacanada.com.