What is acupuncture?

Does insurance cover acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a therapeutic modality with its roots deeply embedded in traditional Chinese medicine, which dates back over 2,500 years.

It is believed that the practice emerged from the observation of the body's natural healing processes and the patterns of energy flow.

Central to acupuncture is the concept of "Qi" (pronounced as "chee"). In Chinese philosophy, Qi is the vital life energy that circulates within the body, maintaining health, vitality, and overall balance.

The flow of Qi travels through specific pathways called "meridians." According to traditional Chinese medicine, illnesses or ailments arise when there is an imbalance or blockage of Qi in these meridians.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles at specific points, known as "acupuncture points," located along the meridians. These points are believed to be gateways to influence, redirect, or balance the flow of Qi. The number of needles used, their specific locations, and the depth of insertion can vary based on the patient's condition and the practitioner's assessment.

Does insurance cover acupuncture?

We're pleased to announce that we do provide coverage for acupuncture treatments! However, as insurance plans and provisions can vary widely, it's crucial for patients to consult directly with their insurance provider to understand the specifics of their coverage.

To assist you in this process, here's a list of recommended questions you should ask your insurance provider:

Coverage Specifics: Is acupuncture fully covered under my plan or only for specific conditions or ailments?
Provider Credentials: What qualifications must the acupuncturist have for the treatment to be covered? Do you require the practitioner to be a licensed acupuncturist, or is certification from a specific body necessary?
Frequency & Duration: Are there any limitations on the number of sessions covered in a specific time frame (e.g., per year)?
Deductibles & Co-pays: Are there any out-of-pocket costs associated with the acupuncture coverage, like deductibles or co-pays?
Referral Requirements: Do I need a referral from my primary care physician or another specialist to get coverage for acupuncture?
Pre-approval: Is prior authorization needed before I start treatment?
Reimbursement Process: If I pay out-of-pocket, how does the reimbursement process work? What documentation will I need to provide?
Duration of Coverage: If my condition requires long-term acupuncture treatment, for how long will it be covered?
Other Restrictions: Are there any other restrictions or stipulations I should be aware of?

It's always a good practice to get the answers in writing or note the details, including the name of the representative you spoke with and the date of the conversation. This can be beneficial if any discrepancies arise later on.

Remember, while we do provide coverage for acupuncture, understanding the details of your specific plan will help ensure a smooth process and eliminate any unexpected expenses.

Microneedling

Does insurance cover acupuncture?

Current theories on the mechanism of acupuncture

What is Micro-Needling?

Micro-needling uses a hand held needle pen to create controlled depth micro-injuries to the skin. This stimulates the skin’s natural repair process to produce collagen and elastin. Micro-Needling is minimally invasive treatment that transforms the look and feel of damaged skin to smoother, cleaner healthier looking skin. This stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin which in turn fills these imperfections, thus improving skin texture and firmness.

What are the benefits of Micro-Needling?

With Micro-Needling many skin conditions can be treated. Micro-Needling improves skin texture and firmness, reduces the appearance of acne and acne scarring, minor scarring, give lines, wrinkles, stretch marks, enlarged pores, melanoma and hyperpigmentation.

Micro-Needling provides another valuable tool in improvement of acne scarring, stretch marks and wrinkles and our patients are pleased with their results.

Current theories on the mechanism of acupuncture

1) Neurotransmitter Theory

Acupuncture affects higher brain areas, stimulating the secretion of beta-endorphins and enkephalins in the brain and spinal cord. The release of neurotransmitters influences the immune system and the antinociceptive system.

2) Blood Chemistry Theory

Acupuncture affects the blood concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol and phosphlipids, suggesting acupuncture can both raise and diminish peripheral blood components, thereby regulating the body toward homeostasis.

3) Autonomic Nervous System Theory

Acupuncture stimulates the release of norepinephrine, acetylcholine and several types of opioids, affecting changes in their turnover rate, normalizing the autonomic nervous system and reducing pain.

4) Vascular-interstitial Theory

Acupuncture affects the electrical system of the body by creating or enhancing closed circuit transport in tissues. This facilitates healing by allowing the transfer in tissues. This facilitates healing by allowing the transfer of material and electrical energy between normal and injured tissues.

5) Gate Conetal Theory

Acupuncture activates non-nociceptive receptors that inhibit the transmission of nociceptive signals in the dorsal horn, "gating out" painful stimuli.

What can acupuncture treat?

Current theories on the mechanism of acupuncture

What can acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture is recognized by leading national and international health organizations to be effecttive in treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. Below are some of the health concerns acupuncture can help with.

All types of pain:

Back pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, neck pain etc
Fatigue

Allergies

Insomnia Anxiety

Depression

PMS

Mood Imbalance

Asthma

Acid Reflux

Indigestion

Weight Loss

Headaches

IBS
Migraines

Stress Reduction

Carpal Tunnel

Sciatica

Sports Injuries

Numbness/Tingling

Post Operative Recovery

Sexual Dysfunction

Addiction: smoking, alcohol, food etc.
Golfers/Tennis Elbow

Athletic Performance
Adverse reactions to radiotherapy and /or chemotherapy

Bell's Palsy

Morning sickness

Facial pain

Facial spasm

Nausea and vomiting

TMJ dysfunction

FAQs

Current theories on the mechanism of acupuncture

What can acupuncture treat?

What should I expect during first acupuncture session? First session will include a detailed health history of your main health concerns and also other symptoms. This is important in Oriental medicine since we look not only specific symptoms but how this can effect the body as a whole. This can take into account your physical, emotional, mental and nutritional condition. It is necessary to take all of these factors into consideration to create an individual treatment plan. A Chinese herbal formula may also be suggested to help strengthen the acupuncture treatment.

How long are treatments? First treatment may take up to 1.5 hours due to initial examination. Typically each acupuncture treatment thereafter can range from 25-50 minutes. Needles are inserted and retained for about 15 minutes.

Does it hurt? Acupuncture generally is not painful. The needles used are extremely thin and hair like. They are sterile and disposable. Patient may experience a dull, achy or tingling sensation which is desired affect that is associated with movement of energy within the area. Treatments are very relaxing and most patients will will fall asleep.

Anything I should do before acupuncture session? Please wear loose comfortable clothing. Be sure to have eaten before session since some patients may experience lightheadedness. Please avoid alcohol, caffeine or any other substance that may interfere with effectiveness of the treatment.

How many visits will I need? Number of treatments will vary depending on several factors. Acute conditions or conditions that are new to the body can take 2-4 sessions. Chronic conditions that have been experienced for years may take 8-12 sessions for to notice a significant change. Each client will vary in number of visits but a detailed treatment plan will be determined during the initial visit.

How safe is acupuncture? Acupuncture is a very safe modality of when practiced by a trained and licensed practitioner. Needles are disposable and sterile.