What should you expect during your first visit?
During your first visit, I usually conduct an in-depth interview and exam, which will consist of asking numerous questions about your primary complaint as well as a complete health history, and relevant questions about aspects of your health to help build up a complete picture and to put your illness into holistic context.
If I feel that Acupuncture will be effective for you, a customized treatment will be formulated. Your first visit will take about 1 hour, with subsequent visits lasting 30-45 minutes.
During your treatment, you will lay either face up or face down, in a comfortable position, on a massage table. The needles are generally painless and most people only feel a tapping sensation. Once the needles are in and you are comfortable, you will relax in the treatment room for about 20 - 30 minutes. I will check back in on you often see that you are comfortable during that period. After that time I will return and take out the needles.
After the acupuncture treatment is over, I will prescribe Chinese Herbs.
Most people find acupuncture completely painless and very relaxing; most patients will actually fall asleep during treatment.
I only use sterile disposable needles.
How to prepare?
There are a few things that I need to have before treatment. The New Patient Intake Form can be printed out and filled out in advance to save yourself some time.
New Patient Intake Form
Your insurance card
Pertinent lab results, or the address to which I can send a request for copies.
Wear comfortable clothing, often if patients wear clothing that can be pulled up to the knees and passed the elbows, they often don't need to change clothes for the treatment.
Do not eat a big meal just prior, but do not be hungry. I would say about 20 minutes to an hour is a good time to wait after eating.
Insurance
I currently accept most major insurance plans. Please check out my insurance information page. Acupuncture coverage is not guaranteed. You should confirm your coverage with your health insurance carrier. Although your insurance may cover acupuncture, it may not cover your specific condition. To avoid any surprises, it is advisable to call your insurance company to verify what your acupuncture benefits are.
