What Is the DTPR?
The Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols Regulation (DTPR) was created by the Alberta government to guide the care of people with minor injuries after an accident. These typically include:
Sprains and strains
Minor soft-tissue injuries
Under the DTPR, these injuries are treated through a structured treatment plan and a set number of visits that can be billed directly to your auto insurer.
When a Claim Is “Inside DTPR” (In-Protocol)
Your claim is considered inside DTPR — or “in-protocol” — when your injury falls within the minor injury category and you are within the protocol timeframe. This means:
Your injury is a sprain, strain, or Whiplash-Associated Disorder grade 1 or 2
You are within your pre-approved visit count (10 visits for WAD 1 or 21 visits for WAD 2)
You are within 90 days of the date of the accident
How Coverage Works In-Protocol
Pre-Approved Treatment: Your treatment plan and visit count are set by the protocol, so care can begin immediately after your assessment — no waiting for insurance approval.
Direct Billing to Your Auto Insurer: In-protocol visits are billed directly to your auto insurance company, with no upfront cost to you.
Structured Care: Your physiotherapist assesses your injury, determines your WAD classification, and builds your plan within the protocol guidelines.
What This Means for You
Inside the DTPR, you can start treatment quickly and focus on recovery — your clinic handles the billing and documentation with your insurer.
If your symptoms persist beyond the protocol visits or the 90-day window, your claim shifts outside DTPR (out-of-protocol), where private benefits and Section B auto insurance coverage apply.
If you’re unsure whether your injury is covered under or outside the DTPR, contact your insurance adjuster or give us a call for guidance. Your healthcare team at Flex Physio & Wellness will help guide you through the process and provide any documents your insurer requires.
📞 Contact us today to book your MVA assessment and start your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Inside DTPR" or "in-protocol" mean?
It means your motor vehicle accident injury falls under Alberta’s Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols Regulation — a minor injury such as a sprain, strain, or WAD 1–2 whiplash — with pre-approved treatment billed directly to your auto insurer.
How many physiotherapy visits are covered in-protocol?
Up to 10 pre-approved visits for WAD 1 injuries and up to 21 for WAD 2, beginning immediately after your assessment without waiting for insurance approval.
Do I have to pay upfront for in-protocol treatment?
No. In-protocol treatment is billed directly to your auto insurer, so there is no upfront cost to you for the pre-approved visits.
What happens if I still have symptoms after my in-protocol visits?
If you reach your visit limit or 90 days have passed and you still need care, your claim moves outside DTPR and is covered through private benefits first, then Section B auto insurance.