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What happens during my acupuncture office visit?
During your first visit we will discuss your primary concerns and your health history. We will also discuss your overall health such as your sleep patterns, emotional state and digestion. Your pulse will be taken on both wrists and your tongue will be examined, which helps assess your health using Traditional Chinese diagnostic methods.
With this information a diagnosis will be developed based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). A treatment plan will then be developed, which includes acupuncture treatment and possibly herbs, nutrition/lifestyle advice and/or bodywork.
Other techniques that may be used include electro-acupuncture (similar to TENS), cupping, moxabustion, ear acupuncture, and infrared heat. The use of any of these treatment methods will be discussed in advance.
Your treatment will always focus on your primary concerns, but because TCM is a holistic medicine, your entire health profile will be taken into account.
If at any time you feel uncomfortable or have any concerns or questions, please don't hesitate to bring them up.
Does my health insurance cover acupuncture?
That depends on your particular health plan. In Washington state most insurance plans now cover acupuncture to some degree. The best way to be sure is to call your insurance plan. The phone number is usually on the back of your insurance card. Ask them if acupuncture is a covered benefit, if you need a referral, how many visits per year you are allowed, if it is subject to your deductible and/or a copay or coinsurance. Some plans restrict coverage to certain conditions such as pain. A few plans only allow coverage if it is provided by an M.D. If you need help figuring out this information, call my office and we can help you.
Tracy is a preferred provider with the following health insurance companies:
- Regence Blue Shield
- Premera Blue Cross
- Other Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans
- Kaiser Permanente
- Aetna
- United
- First Choice
- Uniform
- Molina
- Humana
- Auto accident claims (PIP)
- a few other plans...
Fees:
Non-insurance patients:
$115.00 paid at the time of service.
If insurance is being billed, it is highly recommended that you inquire of your insurance company what your acupuncture benefits are. Insurance will be billed and then you will be given a billing statement to settle any outstanding balance. The processing time of claims varies from a couple of weeks to over a month.
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