Question 1

Do you Accept Medicare?

Accepted Answer

The only acupuncture plan we currently accept is Whole Health Living through Humana. Medicare otherwise does not recognize Acupuncturists as providers and does not allow us to directly bill medicare. Even though Medicare has approved acupuncture for low back pain, it requires supervision by an MD or Nurse Practitioner (NP). Efforts are being made to change this through the "Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act" which aims to recognize acupuncturists as healthcare providers and allow them to bill Medicare. This bill has bipartisan support. To support this cause, contact your representatives and let them know how Acupuncture has helped you!

Question 2

Does Acupuncture hurt?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture treatments are not painful. Acupuncture is performed with hair-thin needles that do not resemble the pain felt from a hypodermic needle. Patients often fall asleep and are in a state of deep relaxation on the table.

Question 3

Does insurance cover Acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We are in-network with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). While we are out-of-network with other plans, we can verify your out-of-network coverage to see if you have acupuncture benefits. Often, the cost out-of-network is comparable to in-network. Feel free to call us for details or fill in our verification form. Please note that although we are in-network with BCBS, not all plans cover acupuncture.

Question 4

I was in a car accident. Can I get acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Absolutely. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance covers acupuncture treatment. Being in a car accident can be extremely stressful. Acupuncture can not only help to manage your pain, but also decrease your stress so you can heal faster.

Question 5

What should I expect for my first treatment?

Accepted Answer

During your first treatment, the practitioner will take a complete health history and ask about the condition you are coming in for. A physical assessment will be conducted, which may include palpating areas of pain, feeling your pulse, and checking your tongue. The initial evaluation and treatment generally last about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes. Subsequent treatments take 45 minutes to an hour. After your assessment, you will be comfortably positioned on a heated massage table while the acupuncture needles are inserted. You will rest with the needles in for 20-25 minutes. Afterward, the needles are removed, and additional therapies such as manual therapy, massage, or cupping may be performed.

Question 6

Where do the acupuncture needles go?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture is a whole body treatment and due to the way acupuncture meridians cover the body, it is entirely possible to treat your shoulder pain from your shin. For this reason, where your acupuncture needles go will depend on what you're coming in for, the type and quality of your pain and your body's unique make up.

Question 7

Are there any side effects to Acupuncture treatment?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture is an incredibly safe treatment. The only common side effects are minor bruising or slight bleeding. Acupuncture can also have positive side effects. Studies have shown that people who undergo acupuncture treatment report better sleep and improved digestion, even when those weren't the conditions they came in for!

Question 8

What's the difference between acupuncture and "dry needling"?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture is a full-body treatment. Dry needling, or Trigger Point Acupuncture (TPA), is a form of acupuncture where needles are used to manipulate and release trigger points to eliminate muscle spasms. Dry needling does not address the root cause in the same way traditional acupuncture does. Acupuncturists often combine dry needling or TPA with traditional acupuncture for comprehensive care.

Question 9

Why should I see an Acupuncturist for needling instead of a Physical Therapist?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncturists undergo a lot more training in needling than Physical Therapists. New Jersey requires an Acupuncturist have a minimum of 2,500 hours of instruction in their field. Physical Therapists can needle with just 80 hours of instruction, only 40 of which need to be hands on.

Question 10

How does Acupuncture work?

Accepted Answer

There is still a lot we don't know about acupuncture, but with the help of modern research there is a lot we are learning about the pathways through which acupuncture affects the body. 
Acupuncture has been shown through functional MRI to stimulate different areas of the brain. It also has the ability to stimulate the production and release of different hormones such as serotonin, estrogen, progesterone, and endorphins. This is how it is able to regulate your body's hormones and relieve pain.

Question 11

Is Acupuncture safe during Pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  Acupuncture is a safe and effective way to alleviate many discomforts commonly associated with pregnancy.  In addition, acupuncture can be used to help promote a more efficient labor. In fact, many midwives and obstetricians refer their pregnant patients to Winter Wellness.

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