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.  It is my belief that acupuncture and other natural health modalities can treat every disorder if you do not wait too long to come in for treatment.  The longer you have a condition, the more difficult it becomes to treat.  Therefore, it is wise to come in for treatment in the beginning stages of illness so we can rebalance you easily.   Below are some of the health concerns that acupuncture can effectively treat:

Today, acupuncturists undertake three to four 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.   Each state requires that continuing education be completed annually.  To be a nationally board certified acupuncturist, even stricter continuing education requirements must be met.

For more about my education and training, please see the “About Me” tab.

Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no side effects just feelings of relaxation and well-being. There is little danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once, and then properly discarded.  Usually, patients report that side effects of treatment are that symptoms they did not mention disappeared, without them being targeted specifically.  That is the beauty of this medicine, when we correctly diagnose the pattern of imbalance and then correct it, the entire body shifts and everything improves.

• Write down and bring in any questions that you have.  I am here to address all of your health care concerns.
• Fill out the intake forms prior to your visit time and be sure to bring them in with you.  The forms are available under the “Patient Portal” tab.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows for easy access to your knees and elbows.
• Do not eat a large meal just before or after your visit.
• Bring in a complete and detailed list of all medications and natural products that you are currently taking.
• Refrain from overexertion, working out, drugs or alcohol for up to six 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.

Insurance coverage varies from state to state.  In Florida, BCBS of Florida, Medicaid, Medicare and Medicare supplement policies DO NOT cover my services.  Some Aetna, Cigna, BCBS Federal Plans, BCBS of Minnesota, and BCBS of NY plans do provide coverage for my services.  Every plan is different, so it is up to you to confirm coverage with your insurance company.

If you are a veteran, often you can get a referral from your primary VA doctor and a preauthorization for coverage, at no out of pocket cost to you.  Through August 2017, Choice Insurance through HealthNet will cover your visits if you are preauthorized.

I am a solo practitioner, therefore, I do not have the resources available to call and confirm coverage for you.  It is your responsibility to contact your insurance provider to learn what kind of care is covered on your particular plan. Here are a few questions to ask:

• Will my plan cover acupuncture performed by a licensed Acupuncture Physician?
• How many visits per calendar year am I allowed?
• Do I need a referral from another provider?
• Are there specific diagnosis codes that must be used for coverage?   Examples include pain condition or anesthesia only.
• What is my out-of-network co-pay per visit?
• Do I have an out-of-network deductible?
  • If yes, has it been met?