FAQS
How do I prepare for my first visit?
-
Your first appointment will generally last from 1 to 1 ½ hours.
-
As a new patient you have 2 options for New Patient paperwork:
-
You can arrive approximately 20 minutes early for your appointment and fill it out in the waiting room.
-
( Recommended ) You can fill it out on your electronic devices through the link we send to you and fill them out before your appointment.
-
-
The New Patient paperwork includes legal forms and medical intake forms that should be read and filled out, and HIPPA privacy form that only need to be read.
-
If you are receiving acupuncture, please wear loose fitting clothes so that the acupuncturist can get to specific acupuncture points. We have paper sheets and drapes which can be draped over you if we are unable to reach certain acupuncture points.
-
Please make sure you have eaten a light meal/snack before your visit and make sure you are well hydrated. Also, please refrain from brushing your tongue (the tongue coating helps in achieving the proper diagnosis).
What should I expect during my first visit?
-
After checking in for your appointment, your acupuncturist will follow up on the information you provided in your intake forms during a 20-35 minute consultation. She may ask you a series of detailed questions about any health problems or symptoms you might be having.
-
In addition to your paperwork and consultation, your practitioner will also examine your tongue and feel your pulse in both wrists in order to arrive at a traditional Chinese medical diagnosis.
-
If you are taking any medication or herbal supplements please let your acupuncturist know.
-
After the initial consultation, you may be asked to remove your shoes and socks and lie down. Depending on the area to receive treatment, you may be asked to remove other articles of clothing. For your comfort and convenience we offer clean medical gowns that can be worn during your treatment.
-
After swabbing the various acupuncture sites with alcohol, your practitioner will insert very thin, sterile, disposable needles. Although some points are more sensitive than others, the patient will usually feel little to no sensation or discomfort. A heat lamp and/or space heater are available should you feel cold during your treatment.
-
The needles will be left in for approximately 25-35 minutes. During this time the practitioner will check on you several times, and a wireless bell will be available should you need to contact your acupuncturist for any reason. Most people find acupuncture to be very relaxing; however, should you experience any pain or discomfort, please alert your practitioner right away so adjustments can be made.
-
If your practitioner thinks it would be beneficial to your treatment, she might make recommendations for traditional Chinese herbs, dietary and/or exercise changes as part of his/her suggested treatment plan.
-
After your treatment you’re invited to visit our reception desk to schedule your next appointment.
What should I do after my visit?
-
Plan to take it easy after your treatment.
-
Sometimes after receiving an acupuncture treatment you may feel a little lightheaded or “woozy.” If that is the case, please sit for a while in our waiting area. In a few minutes you’ll be relaxed and clear-headed.
-
Keep hydrated.
-
Herbal prescriptions are intended only for the person for whom they were prescribed. Do not give herbal formulas to anyone else.
-
Very rarely, symptoms may become worse after an acupuncture treatment. This is often a sign that previously dormant conditions are being awakened so that complete healing may occur. This should pass quickly. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the clinic.
How long will my condition take to get better?
Each person is unique and the number of treatments varies. Some will experience results after their first visit, while others will require a longer series of treatment. This depends on the severity and chronic nature of the complaint. Overall, you should expect to see some results within 3-5 visits and should notice overall improvement with your condition after each treatment. Chinese herbs in conjunction with acupuncture will help to decrease the time it takes to see results.
Is Acupuncture painful?
The acupuncture needles are made of stainless steel and are very slender (as thin as a strand of hair). Acupuncture is generally painless. Most people do not even feel the needles going in, or they may feel a very small prick. Following the insertion of the needles you may feel a sensation of mild tingling, slight numbness, ache, radiating warmth, or heaviness-this is the qi moving. Many people find the treatments very relaxing and will sometimes even nap during them. You may feel more energetic in the days following the treatment.
Is Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine safe?
YES! The needles used during acupuncture sessions are sterile one-time use ONLY. All areas on the skin are thoroughly cleaned before the insertion of the needles so there is never any risk of infection or transmission of disease. Acupuncture works with your own body to help heal itself, so it is a preferred method of treatment for children, elderly, those seeking to avoid medication or for those already on numerous medications, as well as pregnant and breast feeding mothers.
When prescribed by a trained herbalist, Chinese herbs are a completely safe, gentle, and effective remedy for many ailments and have very few side effects. Herbs and products offered are of the highest quality from reputable companies. We only prescribe herbs from companies that guarantee quality control and follow current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) regulations, including testing for heavy metals.
Can I use my health insurance?
Acupuncture insurance coverage is a common question. Many insurance plans offer coverage for acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture may also be covered if you sustained a workplace injury or were injured in a motor vehicle accident.
*Our clinic is in-network with United Healthcare and Veteran Affairs Comunity Care.
Please send us pictures of the front and the back of your insurance card along with your phone number, date of birth, and chief complaint to info@mingacuwell.com.
We will contact your health insurance company to check your acupuncture benefits. Once your benefits are confirmed, we will let you know the details of your coverage.
If your policy covers acupuncture, we will bill your insurance provider for your acupuncture treatments.
*Our clinic is also out-of-network with other insurance companies.
If you have health insurance other than United Healthcare, please contact your insurance company to verify that acupuncture is covered by your health plan. If acupuncture is covered, we will provide you with a “Super Bill” after each treatment. You will be responsible to claim the reimbursement from your own health insurance company.
We don't accept Medicare or Medicaid.
If your health insurance does not cover acupuncture, then you will be informed of self- payment at the time of service. We provide discounted self-pay rates as follows.
Payment and fee Schedule
Payment is due at the time of service. We accept cash, checks and all major credit cards including Health Savings or Fexible Spending Account cards. A missed appointment or one that was cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will be subject to the full fee of the appointment.
