The cost of acupuncture can vary greatly based on location and the level of specialty at each office. However, the national average for acupuncture is 75 dollars. Depending on the location, the price can go as low as 40 dollars and as high as 300 dollars.
Another factor of cost is the level of training of a clinic as well as the cost of upkeep of an office. Keep in mind, many clinics will require an initial consultation fee that can cost about 100 to 300 dollars. In addition, some clinics may require diagnostic testing or x-rays, which can increase the cost.
Finally, the purpose of acupuncture can change the cost as well. With treatment for different areas such as weight loss, back pain, and more, the costs change to coordinate with the level of treatment necessary. Cosmetic acupuncture often costs the most, while treatments for simple musculoskeletal injuries cost the least.
Usually, companies will have an initial consultation fee, then the follow-up treatments. Many acupuncturists will offer discounts for larger treatment plans and if a patient pays for treatments at time of service. Sometimes you can find discounts for seniors, students, children, and the military, but these are never guaranteed. Additionally, an acupuncturist may add other costs such as herbs, supplements, or other medicines as part of your treatment plan.
In Portland, the cost of acupuncture varies greatly, starting at around 25 dollars for recurring appointments in a group or community setting, and can go up to 300 dollars. The consultation fees can start as low as 40 dollars and go up to 300 dollars as well. Again, the type and location of treatment can change the cost, as can the type of professional performing the procedure. Also, insurance coverage can change the out-of-pocket cost of acupuncture in the area as well.
Many insurance companies cover acupuncture depending on the condition, while others do not cover the treatment. Check with your insurance company to find out if acupuncture is covered and, if so, for what conditions. People who have HSA or FSA may also be able to use acupuncture as an eligible expense but check with your insurance first.
Once you have insurance helping out, you may still need to pay a co-pay for each session, and this varies depending on your insurance plan. Out of pocket, you should expect to spend at least $200 or more for the entire process. Keep in mind that Medicare does not cover acupuncture at this unless you are referred by your primary care provider for chronic low back pain that has been bothering you for greater than 3 months.
Some clinics will offer payment plans, and may even have sliding scales for patients who do not have insurance to help cover the costs. Keep in mind insurance probably will not cover the cost of herbs, supplements or other treatments. Check with your insurance company to find out if they cover other treatment modalities associated with acupuncture, such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy or massage.
Some of the companies that cover treatment include: Aetna, Banner Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Health Net, Humana, and United Healthcare. Again, check with your insurance company as they may only cover the cost for specific ailments. Veterans may be able to get treatment as well through the VA as may federal employees.
Finally, keep in mind that you may need a referral from your primary care physician or another doctor to help cover the costs. Check your insurance to find out if you need a referral before finding an acupuncturist. Also, make sure the acupuncturist accepts your insurance. You can always ask your doctor to refer you to the clinic of your choice for treatment.
Without insurance, you will have to pay more than just a copay, and you will need to pay the full cost. From 40 dollars up to 300, you will need to pay the entire amount yourself. Always check with your insurance before starting treatment to help lower the out-of-cost expense for you.
One of the great benefits of acupuncture is the sheer amount of conditions it can treat. Here are some of the many reasons people seek out acupuncture treatments:
Emotional or Mental Issues – anxiety, depression, insomnia, quitting smoking, and stress.
Physical Ailments – allergies, dysentery, facial pain, headache, hypertension, hypotension, labor induction, knee pain, back pain, morning sickness, nausea, neck pain, dental pain, arthritis, sciatica, sprain, stroke, and tennis elbow.
Other conditions that acupuncture may be able to help with include abdominal pain, headaches, migraines, bell’s palsy, asthma, cancer pain, diabetes, earache, eye pain, fertility problems, facial spasms, lactation support, addiction, schizophrenia, spine pain, allergies, and much more.
It’s best to talk to your doctor or acupuncturist about your symptoms and determine if acupuncture treatment will help with your problems. Keep in mind, not every acupuncturist can help with every problem and may not be able to help with your issue. Check what conditions the acupuncturist can handle before making a commitment.
Every person is different, majority of individuals find great relief in symptoms and improved function with acupuncture treatment. However, some individuals have conditions that do not respond well to acupuncture. Check with your acupuncturist to see how acupuncture can help you particular condition. Acupuncture is safe, effective and has very low risks of side-effects.
Acupuncture has been practiced and utilized for well over two thousand years, which clearly demonstrates its effectiveness. Before deciding if acupuncture is worth the money, you need to find out if the treatment works for you. From there, you can decide if the benefits outweigh the cost. For some people, the cost and lack of insurance support may take acupuncture off their list of options.
Depending on the area of the body you are treating can impact the number of treatments you will need. For the most part, treatments are between 30 to 90 minutes long, and typically patients will need about six to eight treatments, but the number can vary greatly from clinic to clinic. Also, you may need to adjust the number of appointments based on your budget.
After the initial set of appointments, you may need to do maintenance treatments every few weeks or months to maintain the area you are treating. Your acupuncturist will recommend a plan and work with you for your budget, schedule, and needs. When using acupuncture for more than one spot on the body then you may need to stretch out the appointments longer.
Why choose Portland Wellness for acupuncture?
Acupuncture provides relief for those suffering from multiple conditions by helping the body to release natural pain relievers. While the cost of acupuncture can be out of budget, insurance can help. Into addition to acupuncture, Portland Wellness Care provides other physical medicine treatment modalities including physiotherapy, chiropractic care, therapeutic massage, diagnostic ultrasound, laser therapy, regenerative medicine, and much more. Schedule an appointment today with Portland Wellness Care to see if acupuncture can help you get out of pain and live life more fully.
Acupuncture provides relief for those suffering from multiple conditions by helping the body to release natural pain relievers. The cost of acupuncture can vary greatly based on location and the level of specialty at each office.
By stimulating specific points in the body various modalities and techniques, acupuncture can alleviate pain and restore dysfunction. A practitioner will stimulate specific points in the body that are associated with healing and harmonizing.
Acupuncture offers a natural way to stimulate your body’s natural painkillers.
Whether you are seeking to treat an injury or simply improve your wellbeing, acupuncture may be a great treatment option for you.
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