Does insurance cover acupuncture?
This office is run on a cash only basis. Payment is due upon receipt of services. A superbill will be provided to those patients who wish to try to collect insurance payments from their provider, however this office does not actively bill insurance. To see if your insurance company would cover acupuncture call them and ask, and make sure to ask what stipulations there are. For example some insurance companies require an MD recommendation, or will limit treatments only for specific conditions. Medicare does not cover acupuncture.
How many treatments does acupuncture take or how often would I need to come?
The answer to this question can vary depending on the condition and complaints of the patient. Two treatments is usually enough to evaluate the benefit and frequency of treatment. Typically patients in this office are seen once a month or every six weeks. As conditions improve then frequency of treatments is extended or discontinued. Many patients will choose to keep coming for wellness maintenance. The exception to this is for individuals trying to quit smoking as treatments are needed every week initially.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Many patients are surprised to find how little discomfort acupuncture needles cause. This is because acupuncture needles are so thin and so sharp they are barely felt at all. Most of the time it feels similar to a mosquito bite or less, and once inserted there is little sensation other than the weight of the needle resting. Acupuncturists are trained to insert needles without causing much discomfort. Patient sensitivity to acupuncture can vary but, pain only occurs when the needle has been inserted improperly. Needle phobics, young children, even ex-heroin addicts have all been treated in this office and been surprised at the lack of problem needle pain.
How does acupuncture work?
From a Traditional Oriental Medicine perspective, acupuncture works by stimulating points along channels or meridians of energy, chi. The meridians of chi correspond to different organ systems in the body and, acupuncture is a method for strongly manipulating the chi in order to promote balance within the body. When disease occurs chi is imbalanced. The practice of Oriental Medicine is an effort to re-establish harmony of chi in the body, thus promoting health and wellness.
Is acupuncture safe?
Currently acupuncturists enjoy the lowest malpractice rates of any health care providers, including massage therapists. This is primarily due to the low incidence of risk with acupuncture. There have been incidence where people have been seriously injured with acupuncture, but these instances are extremely rare, and usually have involved a practitioner with minimal training. A brand new, sterilized set of acupuncture needles is used for each treatment to prevent contamination.
What kind of credentials do acupuncturists have?
Acupuncture Licensing requirements vary from state to state as with many professions. In Georgia, acupuncturists must complete graduate school training at an accredited school, typically a 3-4 year program, and they must pass national exams and maintain their national license through the National Comission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Medical Doctors must complete 300 hours of training to practice acupuncture.
If you have further questions about Oriental Medicine please visit the links section of the website or contact us with a call or e-mail. Acupuncture is new to most people. We welcome questions!