Insurance info/FAQ

Insurance Coverage

Please note:  I am in-network for several plans and may appear as a provider, but not all plans cover acupuncture.  Please check with your insurance or provide me with your information and I will check your coverage.  If you do wish me to check your coverage please provide that information at least 1 day prior to your appointment.  

I am an in-network provider for:

• Blue Cross/Blue Shield Plans, including Lifetime
• United Healthcare plans including the Empire Plan
• MVP (as of 1/1/23)

I cannot submit claims for out of network plans, but if you have out-of-network acupuncture coverage I will be happy to provide you with a 'superbill' for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement.  

I currently cannot submit for No Fault, Worker's Comp, Medicare or Medicaid.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does acupuncture work?

According to  Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, illness and/or pain arises when the flow of Qi in the meridians becomes unbalanced or blocked.  Qi (pronounced chee) is the life energy flowing through the body and can be influenced and balanced by stimulating specific points on the body.  These points are located along channels of energy known as meridians that connect all of our major organs.   

 

What can I expect at my appointment?

At your first appointment we will spend about 20 minutes or more discussing your health concerns, your health history, reviewing what acupuncture is and what it can do, and answering any questions.   I will then may take your blood pressure, take your pulse and look at your tongue.  At that point I will then begin treatment.   On subsequent appointments, we will briefly review your progress and then get right to treatment.  Once the needles are in you can expect to rest with the needles in for about 20 minutes.  Most sessions last around an hour.  Your first appointment may run longer.  

How many appointments will I need?

This largely depends on the condition being treated.  If you have recent acute condition or pain, this may resolve in a 2-4 sessions.   If you have had longstanding pain or a chronic health issue this will take longer.   I usually tell patients who have never had acupuncture to mentally commit to 3 sessions.  After 3 sessions you should see some change or improvement in your condition and can then decide whether you want to continue. Ten sessions is considered a general course of treatment. After 10 visits we will re-assess your condition and progress.