How Much Does Acupuncture Cost and What Happens at Your First Visit?
The cost of acupuncture depends mainly on whether your insurance covers it. Many health plans pay for part of each visit, Medicare covers acupuncture for chronic low back pain, and FSA and HSA cards can be used. A first visit usually takes longer than follow ups because it includes a full health history and assessment. Most people feel little or nothing as the hair thin needles are placed. For care from a licensed acupuncturist, visit our clinic for acupuncture in Phoenix. |
How Much Does Acupuncture Cost?
What you pay depends on three things: whether your plan includes acupuncture benefits, your copay or deductible, and whether it is your first visit or a follow up. A first visit costs more because it includes a full intake and assessment. Many patients pay only a copay once their benefits are verified. See our insurance and payment options for the plans we work with.
Does Insurance Pay for Acupuncture?
Often, yes. Many commercial plans cover part of the cost of acupuncture, most often for pain. Medicare Part B covers acupuncture for chronic low back pain, and veterans may qualify through the VA. Coverage varies by plan, so ask the clinic to verify your benefits first. Check your coverage.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture stimulates nerves, muscles and connective tissue. This signals the brain and spinal cord to release endorphins and other natural pain relieving chemicals, relaxes tight muscles and improves local blood flow. In Chinese medicine terms, treatment restores the smooth flow of qi. Electroacupuncture adds a gentle current between needles to strengthen pain relief. Learn about the techniques on our acupuncture treatment page.
Is Acupuncture Backed by Research?
Yes, especially for pain. An individual patient data meta analysis of 39 trials and about 20,000 patients, published in The Journal of Pain in 2018, found acupuncture worked better than both sham acupuncture and no acupuncture for chronic back, neck, shoulder, knee and headache pain, and that most of the benefit lasted at least a year.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Acupuncture needles are about as thin as a hair, so most people feel little or nothing as they are placed. A dull ache, tingling or warmth at the point is normal, and most patients find sessions deeply relaxing.
What Happens at Your First Acupuncture Visit?
Consultation: your acupuncturist asks about your symptoms, health history, medications and goals.
Assessment: pulse, tongue and a physical assessment of the area of concern.
Treatment: you rest comfortably while the needles are in place, usually 20 to 30 minutes.
Plan: you leave knowing how many visits are recommended and what progress to watch for.
How Should I Prepare for Acupuncture?
Wear loose clothing that rolls up above the knees and elbows.
Eat a light meal one to two hours before your visit.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol right before treatment.
Bring a list of medications and any recent imaging or lab results.
How Many Acupuncture Sessions Will I Need?
Acute pain often improves within a few sessions. Chronic conditions such as low back pain, sciatica or migraines usually need a series of weekly treatments before visits are spaced out to maintenance.
What Is the Difference Between Acupuncture and Dry Needling?
Acupuncture is a complete system of medicine practiced by licensed acupuncturists after a three to four year master's level program, and it treats pain as well as stress, sleep, digestion and fertility. Dry needling is a narrower technique used mainly by physical therapists and chiropractors to release muscle trigger points.
What Conditions Can Acupuncture Help?
Common reasons people try acupuncture include neck pain, tennis elbow, anxiety and stress, insomnia, neuropathy and fertility support. For tendon and joint injuries, acupuncture also pairs well with PRP and other regenerative treatments. See every condition on our conditions page.
Ready to Book Your First Visit?
True Acupuncture is led by David Bell, LAc, who has practiced acupuncture and Chinese medicine for more than 20 years. Learn more about our acupuncture clinic in Phoenix and Chandler, or book a free 15 minute consultation.
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