Acupuncture Bill Goes to the Governor

This is a great step. Fortunately, I go to a doctor who believes in acupuncture!

I view acupuncture as something that I want to try and also gives me the creeps at the same time. I get the feeling that it isn’t cheap either. If insurance will cover it, maybe I’ll try it someday.

As a dedicated foe of needles, I’m sad this passed. :)

Acupuncture is painless, y’all. I did a treatment to write about it. See The Yin and Yang of Health for an interview with Jerusha, and Does It Hurt? for more info.

It involves needles.  That’s an automatic failure right there.

Get 25+ bone marrow biopsies and you will learn to hate needles as much as I do. :)

Yowza, BubbaT. I feel your pain. I never met a med-tech who could draw blood without hurting me and leaving massive bruises. Just thinking about a biopsy makes my stomach queazy.

Just for the record, though, acupuncture is *nothing* like that.

If my new insurance policy covers it, I may consider it. The way my knee has been aching lately, I’ll try anything.

So, where can you go for acupuncture now- and is it expensive?

Rico, this site says: Initial visit average $75-$95; Follow-ups average $50-$70

As a life long cry baby when it comes to needles (I have a HUGE phobia)  I am glad this passed.  I actually think there is something to Acupuncture, and I was a HUGE skeptic.

My take…. My God-Mother had an dog with sever Arthritis.  This was her child and medicine wasn’t helping, so she found a doggie Acupuncturist in Jackson. 

The dog would have sessions every 3 weeks. I saw the dog after each session during the between times and at the times about when she needed another session.  The results were remarkable.  After a session, the dog (13 years old and arthritic) had no limp and wanted to play, as the 3 weeks started to wind down, she became slower and a limp developed again more and more. 

They eventually settled on a 2 week schedule, but the difference was still amazing. 

Remember this is a dog… NO placebo affect.  Convinced me, a HUGE needle phobe and skeptic, to think there is something to it, and to consider it for care for pain.

AGamma627

AGamma627

I don’t know how insurance companies are doing now but as of 2 or 3 years ago they weren’t covering most acupuncture being given.  I did have a few patients that got benefit from it and a few that didn’t.

And don’t forget: if you have a Flexible Spending Account, acupuncture is an eligible expense!

Thanks, Ronnie for posting this!  I am so glad there have been so many posts on this topic.  Acupuncture is very affordable, even for those whose insurance does not cover it.  Currently, about one/third of insurances cover acupuncture (Humana, Aetna, etc).  Ask your provider!  The estimate of cost given above is accurate, around $75 - $100 for an initial treatment, less for follow-ups.  Acupuncture should NOT painful.  Most people come to see me to get out of pain, not get put into pain by the practitioner! 

This legislation does not go into effect until July 1, 2009, and will require referral from an MD.  After that, the Rules and Regulations must be established and then licenses will be granted.  I hope I will be practicing this Fall, in a location to-be-announced.   

Thank you JFP!

Jerusha: I noticed that the bill is still on the guv’s desk for his signature. Let us know when he signs it.

Good news on this bill: The guv has signed off on it. Congratulations to Jerusha and all the folks who have been working long and hard to get this bill enacted.

Read the bill here.