Acupuncture offers an alternative solution to common ailments of pain, psychiatric, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and gynecologic issues.
Services provided by a board certified Internal Medicine physician, and licensed in medical acupuncture.
Initial visit will include an evaluation of the problem and proposed treatment options.
Acupuncture treatments offered:
- Body acupuncture
- Ear acupuncture
- Heat or electrotherapy
- Cupping
- Gua Sha
How do I prepare for the visit?
- Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing; avoid wearing accessories
- Avoid heavy meals, alcohol, and planned physical exertion for the rest of the day after treatment
How quickly will I know if it works?
- Sometimes immediate relief (within 20-30 minutes) but usually the full effect of acupuncture is seen after 1-2 days. However, you may need a few more treatments to maintain the benefit.
- Usually, a chronic problem will need 2-3 treatments per week for 6-8 weeks, then 1 treatment per week for 1-2 months, then once every 3-6 months.
- Each treatment plan will take into consideration your needs and preferences.
What are the side effects?
- There should be minimal side effects. We will take precautions to avoid bleeding and infection. Notify the doctor/acupuncturist if you are on any blood thinners (including aspirin).
- Reports of serious side effects are very uncommon.
Will it hurt?
- Acupuncture needles are much thinner than typical medical needles. Sometimes, there is minimal pain at insertion but this will fade during treatment.
Insurance and costs:
- Please check your insurance for possible coverage of medical acupuncture. Some helpful questions to ask:
- Does my policy cover acupuncture treatments? (CPT codes 97810, 97811, 97813, 97814)
- If so, what medical conditions are covered?
- Do I need a referral from my primary care physician?
- Is pre-authorization required?
- Is there a visit or dollar limit per year?
- What is the deductible?
- Is there a co-pay?
- Medicare does not cover acupuncture.
- Acupuncture costs are typically eligible for Flex Spending reimbursement
- Base costs if not including insurance coverage
- Initial treatments cost $75-$100.
- Additional treatments cost $30 – $50
- Discounts offered if you do not have insurance coverage
- Forms to be completed and brought to initial visit. (Acupuncture Forms)
- Acupuncture intake form
- Pain assessment scale
- Functional assessment scale