Questions Before We Meet
Answer the following questions and send to acudoc@aol.com so that I may get familiar with your history beforehand.
1. What is the main reason you are seeking acupuncture? Please include onset of symptoms.
2. What can you tell me about your health history?
Please include hospitalizations, surgeries and accidents.
(Although clumped into one question, this question may be broken down into more detailed questions.)
3. Do you take any medications?
If you take, medications, you will be asked questions about each one.
4. Do you take any supplements?
5. Do you use other forms of treatment?
6. Do you see any other types of doctors, therapists, or practitioners?
7. What can you tell me about your sleeping patterns?
8. What can you tell me about your digestive system?
9. Do you ever have any gut related symptoms?
10. What can you tell me about your urinary and bowel functions?
11. What would you like to share about your sexual function?
12. What can you tell me about your emotions and emotional health?
13. How do you feel about your mental health?
14. If you are a woman, what can you tell me about your monthly menstrual period?
*Some of the questions may not seem connected to the main reason why you are seeking acupuncture treatment. However, your body and all of its functions are all connected. So, even if a question does not seem relevant, answer it with honesty and as much detail as you can.
What to Expect on Your First Visit
You don’t need to do anything special before your acupuncture session. Unlike other types of procedures, you won’t need to stop eating at a certain time or skip your regular medications.
You should eat as you normally would and be well-hydrated the day of your appointment. Don't come too hungry or too full. Try to avoid caffeine before your session so you can maximize the calming benefits of acupuncture. Wear comfortable clothing, but expect that you may be asked to change into a gown or to be covered with a sheet.
If you’re unfamiliar with acupuncture, you may be imagining that the needles are the same kind you see when you have blood drawn or get a shot. They are not the same.
The needles used for acupuncture are usually very thin, sometimes the thickness of just a single human hair. They’re flexible and designed so that you feel little, if any, discomfort when they’re inserted.
Once the needles are inserted, they may be manipulated by turning them or otherwise adjusting them. Additional therapies such as heat or gentle electrical stimulation may be used.
You’re very likely to feel relaxed and soothed during your treatment.
After your acupuncture session, you may feel relaxed or energized. Most people report one or the other. Make sure to drink plenty of water to flush out the toxins that may have been released during your session.
Acupuncture is effective in treating a number of conditions, but you shouldn’t expect immediate, miraculous results. You may need several treatments to reach your goal.
Since you’re a unique individual, your course of treatment will differ from anyone else’s. You may just need a few sessions to resolve your problem, or you may find that regular, ongoing acupuncture treatments can help you maintain your optimal level of health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my insurance cover acupuncture?
Many plans have some coverage for acupuncture. Please call your insurance company in advance and ask the following questions:
1. Do I have benefits covering acupuncture?
2. Is there an annual deductible and has it been met?
3. Is there a copay amount?
4. How many visits a year are covered?
5. Are there any restrictions for treatment? (Some plans only cover chronic low back pain.)
Please note:
We will bill your insurance ONLY if you made the preliminary call and asked the questions above.
Insurance may cover some part of acupuncture but it rarely covers more than a half hour session nor will it cover any additional modalities. Therefore, those expenses will be out of pocket.