What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which is a complete medical system and has been practicing for more than 4000 years. TCM has been the dominant medical system in China history, whereas Western Medicine has played a role for only 200 years.

Before Western Medicine was introduced into China, TCM not only was used in the medical and health issues, preventing diseases for the population of 300-350 millions, but also was accepted to be a very effective remedy to treat every kind of acute and chronic medical conditions. It was because of TCM that China increased its population more and more in the ancient years.

Thousands years ago, there were four major medical systems, Egyptian, Greek, Indian and Chinese Medicine. But, only Chinese Medicine still currently keeps exuberant vitality in the world, even spreads to every corner of the Globe. TCM has become even more vigorously practiced and is now embraced worldwide.

Acupuncture is to insert a number of very fine sterilized stainless needles into the skin at specially designated points to adjust, balance body's systems and promote the function of systems. For thousands of years acupuncture has been used, along with herbal medicine,

In the practice of acupuncture, the length of needles varies from half inch to several inches depending on the different purpose to use. The needles may be twirled and vibrated in specific ways. Modern technique often adds electrical stimulation applied through the needles to enhance the stimulation

Many modern researches have been done trying to find why acupuncture works for human body. The whole picture is not completely clear yet. But, researchers in China and other countries explored many significant results. One of them suggested that acupuncture worked by stimulating or repressing the autonomic nervous system in various ways, and there were evidences that stimulation of the acupuncture points could affect internal organs by means of nerve reflex pathways. Lots of research proved that acupuncture stimulated the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals called endorphins to relieve pain and depression; and it stimulated the pituitary gland, which in turn stimulated the adrenal gland to release anti-inflammatory chemicals or to balance endocrine system.

Since the early 1970s, acupuncture has gradually become more accepted in the United States. Many states now accredit schools of acupuncture and administer licensing examinations. In the United States acupuncture has been used most often for many various medical conditions.

Is acupuncture covered by insurance?

Yes. There are more and more insurances cover acupuncture now. Any individual or group health insurance plan that covers a licensed medical doctor performing acupuncture provides the same coverage to a licensed acupuncturist. This is written in Florida House Bill No. 461.1987. Copied as below:

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CHAPTER 87-176, LAWS OF FLORIDA, CHAPTER 67-176,CHAPTER 87-176,House Bill No. 461

An act relating to insurance; creating ss. 627.6403 and 627.6618, F.S., requiring individual and group health insurance policies that provide acupuncture coverage to meet certain conditions; proving for review and repeal; providing an effective date. Be it enacted by the legislature of the State of Florida:

Section 1. section 627.6403, Florida Statutes, is created to read:

627.6403 Payment of acupuncture benefits to certified acupuncturists. - Any policy of individual health insurance that provides coverage for acupuncture shall cover the services of an acupuncturist certified pursuant to chapter 457 under the same conditions that apply to services of a licensed physician.

Section 2. section 627.6618, Florida Statutes, is created to read:

627.6618 Payment of acupuncture benefits to certified acupuncturists. - Any policy of group health insurance that provides coverage for acupuncture shall cover the services of an acupuncturist certified pursuant to chapter 457 under the same conditions that apply to services of a licensed physician.

Section 3. Each section which is added to chapter 627, Florida Statutes, by this act is repealed on October 1, 1992, and shall be reviewed by the Legislature pursuant to s. 11.61, Florida Statutes.

Section 4. This act shall take effect October 1, 1987, and shall apply to policies issued or renewed on or after said date.

Approved by the Governor June 30, 1997.

Filed in Office Secretary of Dtate June 30, 1987.
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How to determine if your insurance covers acupuncture?

Step One: Call your insurance company's consumer or benefits line. This number will likely be found on your membership card. Inquire about your acupuncture benefits.

If you don't have benefits, you may have what's called an "affinity program". This is basically saying that if you pick an acupuncturist off of one of their lists, you can get your treatments at a discounted price. The discount will vary from plan to plan.

Step Two: If you have benefits, you'll also want to know the following:

a) How many treatments do I get?

The different program, even in the same insurance company, will give different coverage, such as "unlimited" or 30 or 50 visits a year, or 20 visits for one diagnosis for whole life.

Insurance companies that provide unlimited benefits will periodically stop paying for them to force the acupuncturist to write up a letter of medical necessity which pretty much lays out what's wrong, how we're fixing it, and how much longer we think it'll take. This is fair and reasonable on the part of the insurance company to do this.

b) What's my deductible?

If your acupuncturist turns in a claim, but you haven't met your deductible, your insurance company will not pay your acupuncturist and you will be liable for that unpaid portion. Your insurance company will pay your acupuncture treatments just after you finish your deductible. What you paid will however be applied to your deductible, so you'll at least get credit for that amount. Still, there may be some discrepancy between what you pay and what they'll apply to your deductible. You might need to ask about that too.

c) Who must provide acupuncture?

Many insurance companies cover acupuncture performed by licensed acupuncturist. But, some of them ask the treatment must be performed by M.D.. The issued person may use the Law of Florida to deal with your insurance.

d) How much percentage of the expense will your insurance pay?

The coverage for acupuncture is totally various in the different program, which is also related with the premium. You have to call your insurance to make sure how much they will cover.

e) Which pathological conditions are covered?

Some insurance company does not give restriction on the diagnosis: Some only covers painful syndrome and certain pathological conditions. No one covers acupuncture treatment for weight loss and to quit smoking. But, the expense for obesity can be used for text deductible.

How to apply tax-cut for weight loss?

American Obesity Association gives very detailed explanation:
http://www.obesity.org/

Also you can check following websites:
http://www.obesity.org/subs/tax/taxbreak.shtml
http://www.ehendrick.org/healthy/000979.htm
http://holisticonline.com/Remedies/weight/weight_FDA-approved-weight-loss.htm
http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/9811/10/alternative.medicine