Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the insertion of single use, sterile needles into specific locations on the body which are determined after an comprehensive health history intake. Acupuncture works by removing obstructions and moving blood in your body. During your acupuncture appointment we will discuss your health at length, observe your tongue, check your pulses, and insert needles. Observing the tongue and pulse tells me a great deal about your organs, your energy, the health of your blood, and greatly assists in diagnosis. After needles are inserted they are retained dependent upon your diagnosis, your constitution, the time of year, and the weather outside.
Afraid of Needles? Click here.
Afraid of Needles? Click here.
Chinese Herbs
Herbal appointments are available in combination with acupuncture or as stand alone appointments. A detailed health history is required to ensure a proper diagnosis and thus herbal prescription. Chinese herbal formulas are an individualized combination of herbs with each herb in the formula playing a very important role in restoring health specific to your circumstance. During your appointment, an herbal formula may be suggested for you as herbs can nourish and support acupuncture treatments. If herbs are part of your treatment, I will explain your formula (dosage, duration, and what changes to expect) to you at your appointment.
Cupping
Cupping is a method of treatment whereby a glass cup is voided of its oxygen content thus creating a vacuum effect and immediately placed directly upon the skin. The skin rises into the cup creating a local stagnation of the tissues and blood forcing toxins and stagnation to be released while also activating the lymph system. Dark marks can sometimes be left on the skin after treatment, but generally go away anywhere between 3- 10 days. Many relate the experience to a massage. Cupping is available in combination with acupuncture or as a stand alone therapy. If cupping is a modality appropriate for you, I will advise you in your appointment. Please note most insurance companies do not cover cupping therapy.
Insurance
Please check that you have Acupuncture benefits by asking your insurance company what your deductible is, how much your co-pay or co-insurance is, and your visit limits before scheduling. You may call the office prior to your first appointment to have your insurance benefits verified, however, benefits are not guaranteed at the time of service per the information provided by your insurance company. Bridgetown Acupuncture is currently in network with most insurance companies.
Bridgetown Acupuncture and Herbal Clinic does bill insurance for medically necessary treatments. We will bill your insurance company directly for services rendered. However please note that your health plan with your insurance is a contract between you and your insurance company. Treatments may or may not be covered dependent upon your contract inclusions and exclusions.
Medicare: Acupuncture is covered by Medicare for Low Back Pain when performed by an MD, not a licensed Acupuncturist. If you are on Medicare you must see an approved Medicare provider to receive treatment. At this time Licensed Acupuncturists are not on this list; it will take an Act of Congress to change this. Please contact your representatives and voice your concern.
OHP: I am not currently in network with OHP. Please contact your insurer for an up to date list of approved providers.
Bridgetown Acupuncture and Herbal Clinic does bill insurance for medically necessary treatments. We will bill your insurance company directly for services rendered. However please note that your health plan with your insurance is a contract between you and your insurance company. Treatments may or may not be covered dependent upon your contract inclusions and exclusions.
Medicare: Acupuncture is covered by Medicare for Low Back Pain when performed by an MD, not a licensed Acupuncturist. If you are on Medicare you must see an approved Medicare provider to receive treatment. At this time Licensed Acupuncturists are not on this list; it will take an Act of Congress to change this. Please contact your representatives and voice your concern.
OHP: I am not currently in network with OHP. Please contact your insurer for an up to date list of approved providers.
How Much Treatment Will I Need?
Often people present wanting a health concern to be resolved in a visit or two after having spent years trying to manage this very same issue with other medical providers. Acupuncture is not magic; it is a physical medicine that requires time and compliance to work. Acupuncture builds on momentum. It is rare to have a health issue resolve after one treatment.
There are many factors that must be considered to answer this question. How many health concerns are we addressing? How long has the issue been going on? How severe is it? Are there any other health concerns that may exacerbate the issue at hand? Are lifestyle choices going to help resolve this quickly or will they slow the progression?
During the the first few appointments we will discuss these issues in depth. We will observe how quickly the intensity and frequency of your discomfort is reduced. If other modalities will speed this process along, we will discuss their addition to ensure the most effective route for resolution is utilized.
During each visit we will discuss how your body has changed since your last visit. We will measure and track these changes so we can evaluate your progress and keep the end goal in sight. After reviewing this information and your progression, a comprehensive treatment plan will be communicated and implemented to ensure the best outcome for your health.
There are many factors that must be considered to answer this question. How many health concerns are we addressing? How long has the issue been going on? How severe is it? Are there any other health concerns that may exacerbate the issue at hand? Are lifestyle choices going to help resolve this quickly or will they slow the progression?
During the the first few appointments we will discuss these issues in depth. We will observe how quickly the intensity and frequency of your discomfort is reduced. If other modalities will speed this process along, we will discuss their addition to ensure the most effective route for resolution is utilized.
During each visit we will discuss how your body has changed since your last visit. We will measure and track these changes so we can evaluate your progress and keep the end goal in sight. After reviewing this information and your progression, a comprehensive treatment plan will be communicated and implemented to ensure the best outcome for your health.