FAQs
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of hair thin needles into points along the body’s energy pathways, called meridians. Traditional Chinese Medicine encompasses Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine and is a time-tested method for restoring healthy balance, preventing illness and disease. It has been used in many parts of the world for thousands of years and has helped a countless number of people. In the few decades since its introduction to the West, it has become one of the most proven and well-known forms of alternative therapy that exist in the United States today. MDs most often refer to acupuncturists out of all other forms of alternative and complementary health care practitioners. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) recognize that acupuncture is safe and effective for treating a wide range of health concerns.
Does Acupuncture hurt?
No! Using a delicate Japanese method most points are not even felt when needled. Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, often referred to as a filament. You can place over 40 acupuncture needles into 1 hypodermic needle.
How many treatments do I need?
A course of treatment depends on the extent of your condition and your underlying constitution. If you simply need to refresh and relax, or have an acute condition, one or two treatments will do. If you have a serious illness, trying to prevent surgery or become pregnant, you may have to undergo 2 to 3 treatments a week in the beginning and gradually reduce the number of treatments as your body begins to heal itself. As a rule, acute problems can clear up in 1-3 treatments and chronic cases can take up to 18 treatments to have lasting results. Because we do not live in a vacuum and in the event that re-aggravations occur and your symptoms return, a few treatments will be needed to re-attune your body to it’s self healing state. Some patients elect to enjoy a treatment as seasons shift or once a month for a ‘tune-up’, relaxation, and preventive care.
Does insurance cover Acupuncture?
Yes, some insurances cover acupuncture and Lisa Swanson L.Ac. is a participating provider with all applicable insurance companies. It is always a good idea to check with your health plan administrator to determine if you have an out of pocket expense, so that there are no unexpected charges. You are the consumer of your plan and are ultimately responsible for understanding your policy and the applicable deductibles and copays. Please call the clinic to have our staff check your benefits for you before your appointment. Just as insurance companies warn, checking benefits are not a guarantee of payment, and all unpaid bills are your responsibility. If we are unable to verify your insurance benefits before your appointment, you will be asked to pay the initial visit fee and we will reimburse you once we receive payment. Please bring your health plan card with you, or a copy of the front and back of your card for our records.
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Lower reimbursement insurances such as those administered through (ASH) American Specialty Health, like Blue Shield through California Health and Wellness, and Medi-cal, are taken at our community acupuncture clinic. These insurances only cover a select group of diagnoses such as back pain, or other types of pain. If you needing more individualized and specialized care, opting for a private session appointment is advised.
What does it cost? (Below prices reflect patient prompt pay discount ~ Insurances billed at different rates)
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Initial 90 minute visit
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Follow up visits
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Home Visits
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Pediatric Visit
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Functional Medicine Consultation
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Herbal Consult
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If needed, sliding scale appointments may be possible depending on availability
$120
$70-$85
$200-350
$50
$200/hr
$75
$60
Please call to check: 530.648.4192
What does L.Ac. and DAIM mean?
L.Ac. is an abbreviation for Licensed Acupuncturist. In the United States laws vary from state to state but always check to make sure your practitioner is licensed to practice acupuncture. Look for the abbreviations L.Ac., O.M.D., D.O.M or Dipl. Ac. after the practitioners name. Not all acupuncturists are created equal and often MD’s or other health care professionals who practice acupuncture have only had a weekend seminar or limited training leaving the complexity and extensive 5 year training of Chinese Medicine out of their knowledge base, not to mention they make for some painful needlers! While I encourage those that seek training to expand their horizons, don’t let it be at your expense. Please check that your acupuncturist is a well qualified and caring individual for your health concerns.
DAIM stands for Doctor of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine that requires additional training above the Masters of Science requirements to become a L.Ac. In completing a DAIM with a thesis or dissertation project.