FAQ's

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, acupuncture is a method of encouraging one's body to heal naturally.  This is done by inserting thin, solid, metallic needles into very specific acupuncture points.

How does acupuncture work? 

Chinese medicine is an ancient medical system that takes a deep understanding of the laws and patterns of nature and applies them to the human body. The classic description is that channels of energy run throughout the body and over its surface. These energy channels, also known as meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body.   When this energy becomes obstructed or blocked, the result is pain, discomfort, or disease.  Using acupuncture needles, the obstructions are cleared, allowing the energy to flow freely and returning an individual to a state of balance. 

The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either reduce pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system. This is why acupuncture can work for arthritis and back pain, as well as PMS and infertility. The improved biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being. 

What does acupuncture feel like?

People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel nothing to minute pain as the needles are inserted.  Some people experience sensations of warmth, tingling, a brief ache or heaviness in the area being needled.  People often comment that the feeling is unfamiliar but pleasant and very relaxing.

How much training is involved for acupuncturists? 

An NCCAOM licensed acupuncturist must graduate from a masters level four year program that consists of 3200+ hours of didactic and clinical education  from an accredited school to become licensed.  They must also pass a three national examination to become NCCAOM certified.  Several other health professionals are able to receive only 100-300 hours of acupuncture training and tend to call it "medical acupuncture", this is NOT Chinese medicine. 

Is acupuncture safe?  Are there any side effects?

One of the many benefits of acupuncture is a very safe practice, with very few side effects.  All needles are sterilized, disposable, single use, and individually packaged.  Most common post-treatment complaints are minor bruising.

How often should I be treated? 

Since each person is unique, the number of treatments that are needed will vary. Usually, treatment occurs once or twice a week. If the condition is acute and painful, a practitioner may want to do treatments 3 times per week for the first few weeks. Eventually patients return to the office only occasionally for maintenance.

How soon can I expect to feel better?

Each person is unique, and will respond to acupuncture differently.  In general, patients should start to feel the better within 2-3 treatments. If the problem is acute, sometimes improvement is felt after a single treatment, and might only need 3-5 treatments.  If the problem is chronic and long term, it may require additional treatments to achieve improvement.

Is acupuncture covered by insurance?

The good news is that yes, many insurance companies now offer policies that cover acupuncture and related services performed by an acupuncturist.

Does my insurance cover acupuncture?

You can find out if your insurance provides acupuncture benefits by calling your insurance company's patient information or benefits line. This number can be found on your insurance card.

If your insurance provider does cover acupuncture, here are a few questions that you can ask to determine your eligibility and coverage:

1. How many treatments do I get?

2. How much does the insurance company pay?

3. What is the normal co-pay for acupuncture from a preferred provider? (This is the amount you would pay out-of-pocket for each visit to a practitioner on their provider list.)

4. What percentage will I pay for out-of-network practitioners?  (This is the amount you would pay out-of-pocket for each visit to a practitioner who is NOT on their provider list.)

5. Who must provide the acupuncture?

6. Will I need a referral from an MD to see the acupuncturist?

7. What is my deductible?

8. What conditions are covered for acupuncture? (Many plans only cover the treatment of pain)

Do Medicaid and Medicare cover acupuncture?

At this time, medicare will cover acupuncture. However, you must get acupuncture from a doctor, or another health care provider (like a nurse practitioner or physician assistant) who has both of these:

• A masters or doctoral level degree in acupuncture or Oriental Medicine from a school accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

• A current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice acupuncture in the state where you're getting care

Is acupuncture a treatment option after a car accident?

If you have suffered a personal injury in an auto or motor vehicle accident, your or the other parties car insurance will pay for acupuncture treatments. Check out my Auto Accidents page for more information.

How do I receive reimbursement from insurance companies for acupuncture?

*I currently do not bill insurance companies directly. However, I am happy to provide you with a detailed receipt that you may submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement of your acupuncture fees, to the limits your policy provides. Please contact your insurer for more information.

While more and more acupuncturists are signing up to become acupuncture providers for insurance companies and handle all the paperwork involved in billing, it is common for practitioners to be paid in full and provide patients with the information they will need to file a claim for reimbursement themselves.

Contact Us?

Questions, comments, concerns? Email me at healingfocusllc@gmail.com