FAQs

Medicare and Insurance:

I am a Preferred Provider for Regence Blue Shield.  This does include Federal Employees.  Check your policy.
 
Medicare does not currently reimburse for acupuncture!  The information you are seeing from Medicare is ONLY for Acupuncture practiced under the direct supervision of a M.D.  Washington Acupuncturists are licensed as Independent Practitioners through the state Department of Health.  There is no requirement for such supervision.  Patients who wish to pursue Medicare Providers will need to consider searching for a Practitioner that may be in a joint Practice with a Medicare licensed Provider, most likely off the Peninsula.
For any modality to become Medicare reimbursable requires an Act of Congress, literally!
Q: What is Acupunctureneedle-scale1.jpg?

A: Acupuncture is a complex branch of ancient Chinese medicine that is based on principles developed in China over the past 3000 years. The foundation in which these principles are set is that there is a subtle life energy, called Qi (pronounced chee), circulating though all parts of the body via energy channels, called meridians. These meridians connect our head, torso, arms, hands, legs, feet, and all internal organs. According to Chinese medical theory, pain and illness results when the smooth, cyclical flow of Qi in the meridians becomes blocked or unbalanced. An Acupuncturist uses acupuncture needles to stimulate specific points along the meridians. This stimulation helps restore balance and the smooth flow of Qi so all parts of the body can work together in harmony as intended. This harmony allows the body to repair itself and maintain health.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: Your first appointment is $135 and follow-up visits are $90.  All visits are one hour in length. All payments are due at the time of service. We accept cash, check, debit cards and Visa/MasterCard/Discover credit cards.

Q: Why 5 initial treatments?
A: I typically recommend that new patients begin care with a brief course of 5 Acupuncture treatments over the course of 2 to 3 weeks. During this time period you will have an opportunity to experience Acupuncture for yourself and I will have an opportunity to work with you closely to monitor, and to continue to adjust your care. At your fifth treatment I will do a Patient Evaluation with you.  We will determine if any further care is necessary for you to achieve your health and wellness goals.

Your treatment is individually tailored to meet your own special needs.

Over the course of two-plus decades of private practice I have observed that most patients begin their Acupuncture care out of sense of “having tried everything else.” If you have had a painful condition that has become chronic (lasted for more than 6 months) it would be reasonable to assume that some level of care would be necessary in order to help change that established painful condition. If your condition is not as long standing you may generally expect to feel better a bit more quickly. If your general health is good and you are looking to establish a Wellness Plan you will require much less care.

Q: What are the goals of Acupuncture?
A: There are three levels of care. The first level, for most people, is to alleviate the painful condition that brings you into care. The second level is to begin addressing the underlying condition. Pain relief is a great thing, but it’s even better if the condition that caused it can be resolved. The third and highest level of care is a Wellness or Maintenance Program. At this level of care, working together we will identify the best program to help you stay at your new level health.

Q: How do I schedule an appointment?
A: You can schedule an appointment on-line using the on-line booking link in the footer below. Or you can call us at 360-417-8870 or email us using the form on the Contact page.  If you are a first-time patient, you need to call the office to schedule your first appointment.  Call for your free phone consultation.

More Questions?

Email your questions directly to Pat using the form on the Contact page.  Please allow for up to 3 working days for a direct reply.

Or:

For more information on Acupuncture check the Washington East Asian Medicine Association.