Does acupuncture hurt?
At its worst, acupuncture can feel like an eyebrow or a hair being plucked. It may sting for several seconds, but then goes away. Most of the needles can’t be felt at all.
Does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture works for lots of conditions, but not all, and not for all people. Some people respond better than others, and some conditions better than others. For over 20 years, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized acupuncture to be effective for over 40 conditions. In many parts of the world, acupuncture is considered to be primary medicine.
In the United States, the main reason acupuncture is sought out as a therapy is for pain conditions. Pain and injury are the focus of my practice with roughly 85% of my patients receiving at least some benefit from treatment.
Acupuncture is a 2500 year old system of medicine that has been honed throughout the years. From nearly 20 years of experience, I can tell you that it works the majority of the time. Fortunately, you will know within about 3 treatments if it will be helpful for you or not.
Doesn’t acupuncture work just because people ‘believe’ it will work?
In my opinion, this is the greatest misconception about acupuncture. Belief actually has nothing to do with it. My favorite patients are the ones who think it’s a bunch of baloney and are dead set against the whole process. And it then in works! Think about this; if acupuncture is only about ‘belief’, why would animals respond so fabulously to it?
Will I have to be treated for a long time?
Some people receive complete and permanent relief from their pain, and some will need to come in periodically (perhaps once every month or two) after the initial series of treatments (usually 4-8) to get a “tune-up” so they don’t find themselves sliding back to their previous level of pain.
How many treatments will I need?
Understandably, this varies from person to person and for varying conditions. A typical course of treatments is considered to be 8-12 over a 4-12 week period.
As a general rule, conditions that are deep-seated and very chronic will likely take longer than newer conditions.
I typically recommend you try 3 treatments in a 10-day to 3 week period and see how you feel. By that time, you will likely have an indication as whether or not it is helping you. I will make recommendations and then you are very free to decide for yourself what feels right for continuing treatment. As long as you are seeing improvement, it’s likely you will want to keep coming until you reach the point at which you’re fully satisfied.
Are the needles safe?
The needles I use are the size of a human hair, sterile and are disposed of after one use. Acupuncture needles are stainless steel and are so small that four of them can fit inside a blood-draw needle. Unlike hollow hypodermic needles used for injections, acupuncture needles are solid and enter cleanly through your skin.
Will my insurance cover acupuncture?
The State of Washington chose acupuncture to be included in its Essential Health Benefits (EHB) as part of the Affordable Care Act. Technically, this means that every insurance policy offered in the State of Washington should cover acupuncture.
However, to be safe, I recommend you check with your insurance company directly and ask them.
Also, ask if I am a Preferred Provider for your plan. I am a Preferred Provider for most insurance plans, so the chances are pretty good. (I have included a form in the “Appointments” section as part of the intake forms to guide you through talking to your insurance company).
At this time, neither Medicare nor Medicaid cover acupuncture.
Will you bill my insurance?
Yes. You will likely have just a copay (a set amount each visit) or a coinsurance (a percentage of the treatment cost you have set with your insurance company) due. I will bill for the insurance company for the rest. However, in the event they do NOT pay for your treatment, you will be responsible for the balance. And, like any other medical care or service, you will also be responsible for any deductible that hasn’t been met.
If you have double coverage, as in a primary insurance and a secondary insurance through your spouse, I do NOT do double billings. I will bill the primary insurer and provide you with a superbill receipt in which you can submit to your secondary insurer to get reimbursed for any co-payment or coinsurance you paid me..
I was injured in an auto accident. Is acupuncture covered for things like that?
Yes. In the State of Washington, you have the right to seek out care from any licensed provider you see fit without having to first get permission from your doctor or auto insurance company, provided you have Personal Injury Protection as part of your auto insurance policy.
Even if you have personal Kaiser Permanente medical insurance, you can seek care outside of Kaiser during this time. You will have a 3-year window to get care after an accident, as long as there are available funds in your policy.
Please feel free to contact me if the answers to your question(s) couldn’t be answered here.