Frequently Asked Questions

During an acupuncture session, you will lie down on a comfortable table while the acupuncturist inserts thin needles into specific points on your body. You may feel a slight prick or a sensation of warmth or heaviness. You will then relax for about 20-30 minutes before the needles are removed.

We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing to your acupuncture session. Please avoid eating a heavy meal immediately before your appointment, but do not arrive on an empty stomach. Refrain from consuming alcohol beforehand, and try to limit your caffeine intake. 

Many insurance plans now cover acupuncture, but it is best to check with your provider to see if it is covered under your specific plan.

Medicare Part B  covers acupuncture for chronic low back pain ONLY,  defined as:

• Lasting 12 weeks or longer
• Having no known cause (for example, it's not related to cancer that has spread, or an inflammation or infectious disease)
• Pain that isn't associated with surgery.

Medicare covers up to 12 acupuncture treatments in 90 days for chronic low back pain (use them or lose them). If you show improvement, Medicare covers an additional 8 sessions (for a maximum of 20 acupuncture treatments in a 12-month period). If you aren't showing improvement, Medicare won't cover your additional treatments and you’ll pay 100% of the costs if you continue getting them. 

Medicare can't pay licensed acupuncturists directly for their services so direct access to access to acupuncture for the Medicare patient is severely limited. Currently the Medicare patient can see a doctor or another health care provider (like a nurse practitioner or physician assistant) who has both a Masters or doctoral level degree in Acupuncture or Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine from a school accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and a current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice acupuncture in the state where you're getting care or a licensed acupuncturist who is employed by a MD, DO, or NP.

HOWEVER, Medicare Advantage plans are not administered through CMS but through commercial insurance companies who can pay licensed acupuncturists directly. These plans can offer the same acupuncture benefits as standard Medicare plans, or expanded coverage--it all depends on the individual plan.