Navigating Veteran and RCMP healthcare benefits can be complex, but Echelon Wellness is here to help. We’re ready to answer your specific questions, advocate on your behalf, and ensure you get the support you deserve. Below, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about how we support Veterans, shockwave therapy, and benefits coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I don’t live near an Echelon Clinic. What services can I access?
Currently, we can offer Mental Health Disability Assessments, Virtual Counselling and our new Personalized Pain Management program anywhere in Canada, even remote cities.
Does Echelon Wellness replace primary care?
No, our team of medical professionals focuses on treating patients for specific conditions they seek care for, without assuming the role of a primary care provider.
Do I need a doctor’s referral to access services at Echelon Wellness?
No, you do not need a doctor’s referral. Veterans and RCMP simply need to complete our Intake Form to be registered as a patient and receive their comprehensive assessment.
How do I know if I am covered for services at Echelon Wellness?
Echelon Wellness offers a comprehensive assessment with one of our Nurse Practitioners that specializes in VAC and Medavie Blue Cross coverage to assist you in understanding your eligible benefits and coverage.
How do I book an appointment at Echelon Wellness?
To begin, please complete an Intake Form. Our Patient Care Specialists will contact you to schedule your initial assessment consultation with one of our Nurse Practitioners. For additional assistance, please email patientcare@echelonwellness.ca or call 1-888-576-7896.
What if I have never submitted a health-related claim to VAC?
Echelon Wellness will work with you to determine if you are eligible for a Mental Health and/or Physical Health Disability Assessment for a service-related injury. If you are eligible, an appointment will be scheduled with the appropriate healthcare practitioner to perform the Disability Assessment and submit it to VAC to get you the benefits you deserve.
How does appointment scheduling work at Echelon Wellness?
Our team of Patient Care Specialists will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan and schedule. We are a One-Stop-Shop and encourage patients to schedule multiple treatments in the same day to make your healthcare more convenient and accessible.
Does Echelon provide services to anyone that is not a Military Veteran or RCMP Member?
Echelon Wellness specializes in Veteran healthcare. We provide services exclusively to Military Veterans and RCMP.
Is travel to Echelon Wellness clinics covered?
Depending on circumstances, VAC may reimburse travel expenses for Veterans to an Echelon clinic for treatment related to a VAC Disability Entitled Condition. Our Patient Care Specialists can help navigate the paperwork that will be required to apply.
Can active Canadian Armed Forces members receive services through Echelon Wellness?
Depending on circumstances, it is possible for active CAF Members to receive special exceptions to receive care at Echelon Wellness. Generally, members are required to receive medical care through their respective Care Delivery Unit (CDU).
What is Echelon Wellness’ Personalized Pain Management program?
Personalized Pain Management is a new program designed to support Veterans and RCMP members living with chronic pain. It combines a comprehensive review by a Nurse Practitioner, custom-compounded topical creams for targeted pain relief, education on healthy lifestyle habits, and ongoing follow-up support.
What happens during the appointments?
Our healthcare providers will review the types of pain you are experiencing and evaluate your health and medical conditions. Based on this you will receive personalized medical recommendations related to lifestyle factors, including exercise, stress and sleep. Our healthcare providers will also provide input on interdisciplinary treatment options that are available to you, including physical mobility aids like braces. Lastly, when deemed medically appropriate, you will be prescribed custom-compounded topical creams to help alleviate your pain.
What types of pain can the compounded topical creams help with?
Our custom-compounded topical creams are formulated for localized relief from back pain, diabetic neuropathy, stiff joints, migraines, muscle and soft tissue pain, and other chronic pain conditions. They deliver targeted relief right where you need it most, with the goal of reducing pain and improving daily comfort and sleep.
How does the custom-compounded topical cream get delivered?
Your prescription is sent directly to the compounding pharmacy who will dispense and ship directly to your home. Once shipped, delivery takes 2–5 business days. For refills, the pharmacy will time the dispensing to ensure you have an uninterrupted supply as directed.
How does the program support long-term results?
In addition to accessing custom-compounded topical creams, the program includes regular follow-up appointments with a Nurse Practitioner to track your progress, adjust your pain management plan as needed, and support lasting improvements through healthy habits.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses a machine to create a series of low-energy sound waves that are applied directly to the targeted area through a person’s skin.
What conditions does Echelon Wellness use Shockwave Therapy for?
Echelon uses Shockwave Therapy to treat chronic pain conditions. Shockwave Therapy breaks up soft tissue calcification, enhances collagen synthesis and stimulates the body’s healing process in order to decrease pain and improve function. For more information visit Shockwave for Chronic Pain.
How long will the results from Shockwave Therapy last?
Most patients experience results from the initial course of treatment. To remain on high readiness and optimal performance Echelon Wellness works with our patients to develop a customized maintenance program.
Does Echelon take any portion of my VAC compensation (if awarded)?
No. Echelon does not take any cut or fee from your compensation. You keep 100% of any amount awarded by VAC, we would never take a dime.
How do I know if I am covered for services at Echelon Wellness?
Echelon Wellness offers a comprehensive assessment with one of our Nurse Practitioners that specializes in VAC and Medavie Blue Cross coverage to assist you in understanding your eligible benefits and coverage.
How can I access my VAC Summary of Assessment?
You can obtain your VAC Summary of Assessment, which outlines all conditions for which you have been granted VAC Disability Benefits, through these options:
- Online – Log into My VAC Account and send a secure message to request a copy.
- By Phone – Contact Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) at 1-866-522-2122 to request a mailed copy.
- In Person – Visit a VAC Area Office to request a copy directly.
What if I have never submitted a health-related claim to VAC?
Echelon Wellness will work with you to determine if you are eligible for a Mental Health and/or Physical Health Disability Assessment for a service-related injury. If you are eligible, an appointment will be scheduled with the appropriate healthcare practitioner to perform the Disability Assessment and submit it to VAC to get you the benefits you deserve.
Still Have Questions?
Echelon Wellness is here to advocate for you. If you still have questions Contact Us today and one of our Patient Care Specialists would be pleased to help.