Are acupuncturists covered by insurance?

Asked by: Jordyn Runolfsdottir  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.6/5 (31 votes)

Health Insurance Coverage for Acupuncture
Most private health insurance plans have covered acupuncture for years now. And in 2020, government-run insurance programs like Medicare and Medicaid followed suit, adding acupuncture coverage to their list of benefits.

How do I know if my insurance covers acupuncture?

You can find out if your insurance provides acupuncture benefits by calling your insurance company's patient information or benefits line. This number can be found on your insurance card.

What is the average cost of acupuncture treatments?

The average cost for an acupuncture session usually ranges between $75 - $100. That includes the first session. The initial consultation fee is separate and can be anywhere from $100 - $300.

What are the negative effects of acupuncture?

Possible Negative Acupuncture Side Effects
  • Worse Symptoms. Although most people feel better after having acupuncture done, some do feel worse before they get better. ...
  • Fatigue. ...
  • Soreness. ...
  • Bruising. ...
  • Muscle Twitching. ...
  • Lightheadedness. ...
  • Emotional Release.

Does acupuncture actually do anything?

How does acupuncture affect the body? Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.

Jade Star: Acupuncture could be covered by your insurance

37 related questions found

Does Obama Care cover acupuncture?

The controversial act specifically mentions complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and integrative healthcare in seven different sections throughout the law. ...

Can you claim acupuncture on Medicare?

Most Traditional Chinese Medicine is not covered by Medicare. However, acupuncture is covered by Medicare if your acupuncturist is also a general practitioner. Traditional Chinese Medicine is covered by some private health funds but your coverage will depend on your insurance policy.

What conditions can be treated with acupuncture?

Acupuncture is used mainly to relieve discomfort associated with a variety of diseases and conditions, including:
  • Chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting.
  • Dental pain.
  • Headaches, including tension headaches and migraines.
  • Labor pain.
  • Low back pain.
  • Neck pain.
  • Osteoarthritis.
  • Menstrual cramps.

How long does an acupuncture treatment last?

For now, if you have a condition that acupuncture does have scientific backing for, here's what to expect from a session: an acupuncture session to last anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes, though most of this time may be spent discussing your symptoms and concerns with your practitioner sans needles.

What is the cost of acupuncture for dogs?

Cost of Acupuncture in Dogs

The pricing of acupuncture therapy can be as low as $60 per session, or as high as $300. Costs are typically influenced by factors such as the personality of the dog and the nature of their condition as well as the likelihood that they will derive a benefit from the treatment.

What can Chinese medicine treat?

“Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treats a number of issues and approaches treating ailments from a holistic perspective. A variety of symptoms are treatable such as pain, IBS, colitis, infertility, neuropathy, arthritis, insomnia, stress and depression. TCM can treat chronic and/or acute problems as well.”

What is the success rate of acupuncture?

In the 5690 patients who completed treatment, the mean success rate was 79.7%, with highest rates (93%) being achieved in patients with cephalalgia. The mean reduction in pain intensity was 5.5 (SD 2.5) points amounting to 67% fall from the baseline.

Who can bill Medicare for acupuncture?

Under the new Medicare coverage, physicians (as defined in 1861(r)(1)) can administer acupuncture “in accordance with applicable state requirements.”

Do any Medicare supplement plans cover acupuncture?

No. Medicare Supplement (also known as Medigap) plans are offered by private insurers. ... Even though Medicare Supplement Plan F* provides the most comprehensive basic benefits for Original Medicare's out-of-pocket costs, it would generally not cover acupuncture.

Why do insurance companies cover acupuncture?

Health insurers decided to provide acupuncture benefits for the same reason they provide all benefits: Acupuncture saves them money and is an effective way to treat a variety of health issues. Over the past two decades, medical insurance companies have moved more and more toward a holistic approach to overall wellness.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield NC cover acupuncture?

Under the updated legislation, Blue Cross NC covers acupuncture for chronic low back pain under section 1862(a)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act for our Medicare Advantage Plans.

Does Medi-Cal cover acupuncture 2021?

Acupuncture services are reimbursable only when: • Rendered by a physician, dentist, podiatrist or certified acupuncturist enrolled in the Medi-Cal program and who is eligible to provide Medi-Cal services.

When did Medicare start paying for acupuncture?

On January 21, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that they would cover acupuncture services to help treat chronic lower back pain.

What diagnosis codes does Medicare cover for acupuncture?

Medicare covers acupuncture (CPT codes 97810-97814) for people with chronic low back pain (M54. 5, Low back pain), effective January 21, 2020. You will get a denial if your treatment exceeds the frquency limitations: Your patients can have up to 12 covered sessions in 90 days.

Does Medicare cover acupuncture for arthritis?

Acupuncture may be an effective treatment for some health conditions that affect seniors, such as rheumatoid arthritis or chronic lower back pain. Beginning January 21, 2020, Medicare Part B covers acupuncture treatment of chronic lower back pain for up to 12 sessions in 90 days and up to 20 sessions per year .

Can acupuncture damage nerves?

Even a disposable needle can break. Acupuncture needles rarely break 7, but they may damage a spinal nerve root 8 , 9 or a peripheral nerve 10.

Does acupuncture really work for pain?

Acupuncture has long been recognized as an effective treatment for chronic pain. In 2012, a study found acupuncture was better than no acupuncture or simulated acupuncture for the treatment of four chronic pain conditions: Back and neck pain.

What are the disadvantages of traditional Chinese medicine?

Some Chinese herbal products have been contaminated with toxic compounds, heavy metals, pesticides, and microorganisms and may have serious side effects. Manufacturing errors, in which one herb is mistakenly replaced with another, also have resulted in serious complications.

Is Chinese medicine better than Western medicine?

They consider both types of medicines to have strengths and weaknesses: TCM being better in curing the root of the problem but quite slow in action while Western medicine is more powerful but sometimes too powerful with significant side effects.