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Stephanie Said:

Have you ever experienced acupuncture to successfully treat a disease?

We Answered:

I am using acupuncture right now to prevent diabetes, along with exercise, diet modification and Chinese herbs.
As for coverage, it really depends on the insurance company's policy. I pay for mine out of pocket, but for my health, it is worth it.
I do enjoy my treatments, it is very relaxing and recharging. The needles may hurt for a few minutes, but it usually fades by the time the half hour is up.

My only complaint is that my acupuncturist should get softer tables!!

Eduardo Said:

insurance and acupuncture?

We Answered:

Charli,

The answer to your question is dependent upon 2 factors:

1. Country, and State/Province law where you reside.
2. Your individual insurance plan.

In the United States there a couple of states that mandate coverage for acupuncture; California is one such state. However, most states leave coverage of acupuncture up to the insurance company.

Insurance companies may cover acupuncture preformed by any licensed professional, but many limit coverage to acupuncture preformed only by a primary care physician (MD., DO., etc.).

In the end, you really need to call your insurance company and ask. You need to know first if acupuncture is covered? Then, who do they cover to preform acupuncture? Can you go to any acupuncturist, or do they require it to be someone "in network"? Finally, what conditions do they cover for treatment? For instance the insurance company might cover acupuncture treatment for migraines, but not cover tension headaches.

Remember also that "filing a claim" does not in anyway mean "paying the claim".

Cost of treatment can vary widely, again dependent upon where you live. Acupuncture treatments, from the time you enter the treatment room to the time you exit the treatment room, generally take 45 minutes to 1 hour. Usually the first treatment does take longer, up to 90 minutes, because the acupuncturist will collect a full medical history on your 1st visit.

Edit Response:

Charli,

Again I will stress, you really need to call your insurance company to get the answer to your question about what your specific policy covers.

Mae Said:

which insurance covers acupuncture?

We Answered:

Some group health plans cover it through employers (if the employer opts to cover). Otherwise you can check to see if your insurance company has a discount program where you can go to different natural healers including acupuncture for a discount rate. I know other BC/BS plans do this.

Ralph Said:

Doctor charges 18% tax on the visits?

We Answered:

I would seriously doubt if this is legal. I'd ask the lady in the front office to document this as a tax, and put it in writing.

And go to a different acupuncturist.

Travis Said:

I have suffered from fibromyalgia for 15 plus years. I've tried everything. I still am suffering greatly.?

We Answered:

I have chronic pain disorder and I have tried all of those medications and more! The first medication that my doctor tried me on was Amitryptoline. He said it worked great for people with Fibro so it may work for me. It made my symptoms worse but I have heard good things about it working well for Fibro. Also, have you tried Soma Compound with Codeine? It is a muscle relaxer with Aspirin and Codeine in it. It works wonders for me but (of course) it hurts my stomach because of the Aspirin!! Arg! I have had reactions to so many meds and its very frustrating! Surprisingly, I have been taking Ultram for the last 3 years and as long as I take it every 4 hours, it helps great. I also tried neurontin with no help but I am now taking another medication that is an anti seizure med (like neurontin is) and it is helping too. Its called Limictal and my doctor prescribed it to me as a mood stabilizer and it works great for that too. I also have terrible insomnia (I slept 3 hours last night). I either have to get so sleep deprived that I just finally drop (usually takes about 7 days to get to the point where I can sleep 6 to 7 hours straight. Of I have to take 1 to 2 mg of Xonix and then I sleep for 10 to 12 hours. I don't take the Xanax often as I find it worsens the depression but when I just need to get some good deep sleep, I will take it. For everyday to help with anxiety and stress (which only started after I got sick) I take a small dose of Ativan and that helps without the sleepy side effects. I know what you mean about doctors. They are so frustrating! Mine is very hard to talk to but he does give me the medication I need without over prescribing and I was advised to not switch doctors as going to another doctor and asking for 4 different meds might not be a good idea as a different one might not want to prescribe them to me and make me start from the beginning with ones that I already know don't work or make me worse. I hope some of this helps, sorry to have rambled (I do that when I'm tired, lol) and that you find some relief soon.