It's official: I am now a member of Ostéopathie Québec! I wanted to explain what this changes, for you and for me.
In Quebec, anyone can currently call themselves an osteopath, because there is not yet a professional order. For a patient, it is therefore not always easy to know who they are entrusting their body to. This is where the association plays an important role.
What is Ostéopathie Québec?
It is the largest association of osteopaths in Quebec and in Canada, with more than 1,500 members. It verifies osteopaths' training and oversees their practice. It is the reference in Quebec.
Its mission comes down to three points: certifying its members' training, informing and protecting the public, and offering professional services to osteopaths.
Trust
In Quebec, there is not yet a professional order for osteopaths. As a member, my training has been verified by the association, so that patients know they are in good hands.
To become a member, you must have completed a program that meets at least the standards of the World Health Organization. In practice, that means 4,200 hours of initial training in osteopathy, or 1,000 hours for health professionals already in practice.
Growth
Throughout the year, the association offers its members training and conferences, so that their practice keeps improving and evolving.
This matters to me: osteopathy evolves, and so does research, and I want to keep learning so I can support you better.
Reimbursement
Being a member of Ostéopathie Québec makes reimbursement easier for patients. Insurers recognize the association, so the receipts given at each session are more readily accepted.
The amount reimbursed depends on each person's insurance contract. The simplest thing is to check your coverage with your insurer before your session.
Choosing your osteopath well
The association launched an awareness campaign called « Qui pose la main sur vous ? » ("Who is laying hands on you?"), with the hashtag #EntreBonnesMains. Its message: take the time to choose your osteopath carefully. According to a 2020 Léger survey, one in four Quebec adults has already consulted an osteopath, so it is a question that concerns many of us.
What's next?
The association is advocating for the creation of a professional order, which would in particular protect the title of osteopath and clearly define the scope of practice. The Office des professions du Québec has recommended creating one. In the meantime, being a member is a concrete way for me to commit to you.
Thank you for your trust, and see you soon at the practice!