FAQ

Q: Do you accept insurance?
A: We do accept insurance. Not all insurances provide for acupuncture, but many do. We are on numerous insurance panels and work continuously on patients' behalf to utilize their benefits.
The insurances we regularly bill include:
-Blue Cross/Blue Shield (regular and FEP-federal employees)
-ASHN (American Specialty Health Network)
-Providence Health Plan
-Kaiser Permanente's Complementary Health Plan (CHP)
-ODS
-Lifewise
-Aetna
-United Healthcare
-Health Net and many others
*We also handle Motor Vehicle Accidents and Workers Compensation claims, and are participating providers for SAIF, CareMark, and Managed Healthcare Northwest (MHN). As an added bonus to you we take care of all the billing.

Q: Does acupuncture hurt?
A: For most people acupuncture is a painless process. There is a small pinch when the needle passes through the skin. The sensation after that is dull and more a like pressure. Most people find the experience relaxing.

Q: How big are acupuncture needles?
A: Acupuncture needles are the size of hairs. They are not hollow like standard needles. They don't rip skin like standard needles. They slide smoothly and don't draw blood.

Q: How do you know where to put the needles?
A: We use a syndrome differentiation process to classify all disorders. We then diagnose which channels are out of balance and apply acupuncture to re-balance those channels.

Q: How many treatment does it take to achieve results?
A: This is a difficult question. Each situation is unique. Pain situations often resolve within 4-6 treatments. Some chronic pain situations take 10-12 treatments. Complicated internal medicine disorders may require more attention and longer durations of treatment.

Q: How often do I need to come for treatment?
A: This also depends on the condition. Acute trauma many require treatment several times per week. Less intense situations respond well to once a week treatments. Many patients come once or twice a month for wellness and preventative treatment.