Burnaby massage therapist disciplined for billing, marketing and record-keeping violations

Massage therapy clinic at Conestoga College in Kitchener, Ont. on Jan. 27, 2025. (Colton Wiens/CTV News)

A Burnaby massage therapist has agreed to a fine and several other disciplinary measures for violations of the provincial regulatory college’s billing, record-keeping and marketing standards.

Hristian (Chris) Velkov admitted to the misconduct in a consent agreement with the College of Complementary Health Professionals of B.C. earlier this month. The document was published online this week.

In it, Velkov acknowledges that he engaged in “billing and record-keeping which did not accurately reflect the claims submitted to insurers.”

Velkov breached the college’s record-keeping bylaws in the following ways, according to the consent agreement:

• Failing to maintain accurate insurance claim records that reflected the amount claimed and the amount of other payments;
• Failing to maintain an accurate appointment record or daybook containing the names and treatments provided to patients;
• Failing to accurately record cancellations, substitute or amended appointments;
• And failing to ensure that information contained in the health-care records and other records was current, accurate and complete.

He also breached the college’s “advertising and use of title practice standard” by “engaging in marketing activities that were false, inaccurate, misleading or unverifiable.”

The college’s investigation of Velkov’s conduct stemmed from a complaint it received in May 2024.

As discipline for his misconduct, Velkov agreed to a formal reprimand, a $250 fine and random audits of his practice and his records for 12 months.

He also agreed to meet with a “practice advisor” from the college to discuss his misconduct, to review the college’s bylaws and provide written confirmation he had done so within one month of signing the consent agreement, and to complete an electronic medical records course within three months.

Velkov will also pay $500 to cover a portion of the costs of the investigation.