Frequently
Asked Questions
Does Insurance Cover Acupuncture?
Yes! More and more insurance companies and insurance plans cover acupuncture. If you have insurance all you have to do is call and check your benefits. Make sure you ask if you have acupuncture coverage that is done by a licensed acupuncturist. Check what your deductible is and what percent is covered and what your copay is. Check for what pains and illness are covered as well. If you have coverage we will bill your insurance directly (including BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois), just as they do at your MD’s office.
We can check benefits on both UnitedHealthCare and Cigna. To do this, we would need your Member ID number and date of birth. You would simply fax us a copy of your Health Insurance Card, Driver’s License or State ID, and a return contact phone number or e-mail.
What
is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an effective form of health care that has
evolved into a complete and holistic medical system. Practiitioners
of acupuncture and Chinese medicine have used this noninvasive
medical system to diagnose and help millions of people
get well and stay healthy. An acupuncturist will place
fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints on the body.
This activates the body's Qi and promotes natural healing
by enhancing recuperative power, immunity and physical
and emotional health. It also can improve overall function
and well-being. It is a safe, painless and effective way
to treat a wide variety of medical problems.
What is Qi and how does it travel?
At the core of this ancient medicine is the philosophy
that Qi (pronounced "chee"), or Life Energy,
flows throughout the body. Qi helps to animate the body
and protect it from illness, pain and disease. A person's
health is influenced by the quality, quantity and balance
ot'Qi. Qi circulates through specific pathways called
meridians. There are 12 main meridian pathways throughout
the body. Each is connected to specific organs and glands.
Meridian pathways are like rivers. Where a river flows,
it transports life-giving water that nourishes the land,
plants and people. In the same way, meridian pathways
transport life-giving Qi to nourish and energize every
cell, organ, gland, tissue and muscle. When Qi flows freely
throughout the body, one enjoys good physical, mental
and emotional well-being. An obstruction of Qi anywhere
in the body is like a dam, backing up the flow in one
area and restricting it in others. This blockage can hinder
the distribution of the nourishment that the body requires
to function optimally.
What can affect Qi?
Many things influence the quality, quantity and balance
of Qi. Physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of
exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, diet, accidents
or excessive activity can lead to a blockage or imbalance
of Qi. Normally, when this imbalance occurs, the body
naturally bounces back, returning to a balanced state
of health and well-being. When the disruption to Qi is
prolonged or excessive, or if the body is in a weakened
state, then illness, pain or disease can set in.
What will my acupuncturist do?
During the initial exam a full health history will be
taken. Questions will be asked regarding symptoms, health
and lifestyle. Your acupuncturist also may check pulsesand
your tongue and may conduct a physical exam. This information
is then organized to create a complete, accu¬ rate
and comprehensive diagnosis of where Qi has become blocked
or unbalanced. After the interview process, you may receive
an acupuncture treatment. Visits with your acupuncturist
may last from 30 to 90 minutes.
Why
do they want to feel my pulses?
There are 12 pulse positions on each wrist that your acupuncturist
will palpate. Each position corresponds to a specific
meridian and organ. Your acupuncturist Will be looking
for 27 individual qualities that eflect overall health.
If there are any problems, they may appear in the pulse.
Why do they want to look at my tongue?
The tongue is a map of the body. It reflects the general
health of the organs and meridians. Your acupuncturist
will look at the color, shape, cracks and coating on your
tongue.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments will vary from person to person.
Some people experience immediate relief; others may take
months or even years to achieve results. Chronic conditions
usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. Plan on
a minimum of a month to see significant changes.Treatment
frequency depends on a variety of factors: your constitution,
the severity and duration of the problem and the quality
and quantity of your Qi. An acupuncturist may suggest
one or two treatments per week, monthly visits for health
maintenance or seasonal "tune ups."
What should I expect during treatment?
Where the acupuncture needle has been inserted, you may
experience a vague numbness, heaviness, tingling or dull
ache. Sometimes people experience a sensation of energy
spreading and moving around the needle. This is called
the "Qi sensation". All these reactions are
good and a sign that the treatment is working. After treatment,
you may feel energized or may experience a deep sense
of relaxation and well-being.
How should I prepare?
Come with any questions you have—we're here to help
you. Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access
to acupuncture points. Don't eat large meals just before
or after your visit. Refrain from overexertion, working
out, drugs or alcohol for up to 6 hours after the visit.
Avoid stressful situations. Make time to relax, and be
sure to get plenty of rest. Between visits, take notes
of any changes that may have occurred, such as the alleviation
of pain, pain moving to other areas, or changes in the
frequency and type of problems.
Do the needles hurt?
The sensation caused by an acupuncture needle varies.
Some people feel a little pain as the needles are inserted,
but most people feel no pain at all. The needles are tiny,
just a little larger than a cat's whisker or a human hair.
How deep do they go?
The depth of the insertion varies. For example, your acupuncturist
will use a needling technique that is different in fleshier
areas, such as your buttocks. Typically, needles are inserted
at depths ranging from 1/8" to 1 1/2".
How safe is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free
therapy, yielding no side effects except feelings of relaxation
and well-being. There is little danger of infection from
acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once,
and then discarded.
Is acupuncture safe for children?
Yes! In some instances children actually respond more
quickly than adults. If your child has an aversion to
needles, your acupuncturist may massage the acupuncture
points. This is called acupressure or tuina.
What type of schooling do acupuncturists get?
Today, acupuncturists receive 3 to 4 years of extensive
and comprehensive graduate training at nationally certified
schools. All acupuncturists must pass a national exam
and meet strict guidelines to practice in every state.
What is Cupping?
Cupping is a therapy designed to stimulate the flow of
blood and Qi within the superficial muscle layers. It
is used for sore muscles, tension, neck pain and the common
cold. In this therapy, your acupuncturist will place small
glass or plastic "cups" over specific areas
on your body. A vacuum is created under the cup using
heat or suction. They may be moved over an affected area
or left in place. You may leave the office looking as
though a large octopus gave you a big hug. There is no
need for alarm. The slight redness will quickly dissipate.
What is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is another technique used to release muscle tension,
tightness and constriction. A specialized tool is used
to gently scrape or rub the skin over a problem area.
Gwa Sha feels a bit like deep massage. This too may leave
some slight redness that will quickly dissipate.
What is Tui Na?
Tui Na translates as "push grasp." It is a massage
technique that moves Qi in various parts of the body.
It is used to relieve muscle pain, tension and inflammation
and to heal injuries.
What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion is a treatment that uses an herb called Chinese
mugwort. It may be burned on the handle of the needle,
above the skin, on salt or on a slice of ginger. This
is used to "warm" acupuncture points or areas
in order to quicken the healing process.
Why did my acupuncturist recommend herbs?
Herbs can be a powerful adjunct to acupuncture care. They
are used to strengthen, build and support the body or
to clear it of excess problems like a cold, fever or acute
pain. Your practitioner may suggest starting with herbs
and then adding acupuncture to your treatment in the future.
This is suggested to build up your internal strength so
you can receive the full benefits acupuncture has to offer.
Will my insurance cover acupuncture?
Insurance coverage varies from state to state. Contact
your insurance provider to learn what kind of care is
covered.
Here are a few questions to ask:
1) Will my plan cover acupuncture?
2) How many visits per calendar year?
3) Do I need a referral?
4) Do I have a co-pay?
5) Do I have a deductible?
If yes, has it been met?
We will superbill you and you pay upfront and send this
form to the insurance company and get reimbursed
How much does it cost?
Rates vary and depend upon what procedures are performed.
It is best to consult with your acupuncturist about costs.
What can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of
Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to
be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical
problems. For
a list of health concerns that acupuncture has been effective
in treating ::
Click here ::
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