Dr. Uma Mulnick has been a Certified Acupuncturist since the year 2000. More and more people are looking to alternative forms of therapy to be pro-active with their health care. Often these alternatives are not covered by insurance. The following is a glance at acupuncture in our office.
Acupuncture is a healing art that has been around for over 5000 years. It was minimally known in this country until the 1970's and President Nixon's trip to China. It has grown in popularity since then with most people in this country thinking of acupuncture as mostly a treatment for pain. Though it is a great treatment for pain, it has a wide range of other health benefits. If we explore further we find that the World Health Organization has identified the following conditions as being effectively treated with acupuncture:
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. Single use, sterile needles are used and then properly disposed of. Dr. Uma is Board Certified, and continues to complete continuing education requirements yearly to keep her certification and to stay abreast of current philosophies and trainings in acupuncture.
How often do I need to come in?
This all depends. Every person is unique and their capacity for healing varies. Some patients will come in two to three times per week while others might need to come in once per week. Often you can use the following for a general idea: if
it took you a while to get to your current level of dysfunction, it
will take you some time to get out of it and more frequent visits may
be required. Additionally, the more severe the situation, the longer it may take to get well. Another
consideration to take into account is whether or not you are able to omit the activities that may be contributing/aggravating your current condition. Dr. Uma will go over your treatment plan with you and will create one specifically for your condition. Generally, acute conditions may take 3-5 treatments, while chronic conditions may take 10-20 treatments.
How long does a treatment take?
Allow about 1 - 1 1/2 hours for your first visit, and approximately 45 minutes for return visits.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Generally it is not painful. There are times you do not even feel the needle going in. Some points may feel briefly like a mosquito bite when needled. There is a sensation with acupuncture, but rarely would anyone describe it as painful. The needles you know from receiving injections or having your blood drawn are hollow and designed to cut into your tissues. Acupuncture needles are solid and are meant to sort of wiggle their way between your cells almost. Acupuncture needles are also tiny; much, much smaller in diameter than needles used to administer an injection.
Will my health insurance cover acupuncture?
Insurance coverage varies from policy to policy. You’ll need to contact your insurance company and ask about acupuncture benefits. We do not bill insurance companies, but will provide you with a receipt if you need one to receive reimbursement.
Acupuncture Costs
A first acupuncture treatment may cost $90-$120.
Follow up visits are generally $50 - $65.
Follow up visits for Medicare Patients are $40-$55.
