Before Your First Visit
Forms
Please sign the three consent forms in our patient portal Acusimple (create an account, Forms tab).
Secondly, you may print and fill out the INTAKE FORMS here
The forms may require 15-30 minutes to complete thoroughly. Some questions may seem unrelated to your current health challenges, but even subtle clues about your health history can provide me with meaningful information to tailor your treatment. If you are not able to do this in advance, please show 30 minutes prior to your appointment to complete them in office.
Insurance Verification
If you would like to use your insurance, you will need to verify your benefits prior to the first appointment to ensure acupuncture treatments are included. If you have not verified benefits, we will collect payment at time of service. (Exception: Riverwood employees or family members with HealthPartners do not need to call).
Please ask and record the following:
Date of Verification Call __________________ Customer Service Rep_______________
Are acupuncture benefits included in my plan? Yes / No
Is my condition covered? Yes / No
Is a referral by my Primary Care Physician required? Yes / No
Is a Prior Authorization required? Yes / No
How much of my deductible is remaining? $____________
What is my copay or coinsurance (after deductible is met)? $_________ / _________%
Are there limitations on number of visits per year? Yes / No # _____ visits
Medicare plans only: Are acupuncture services covered when provided by a Licensed Acupuncturist not under supervision of Medical Doctor? Yes / No
You may also enter the following information directly into our secure patient portal ('Forms' tab, click to edit insurance information).
We no longer accept Automobile Injury or Workers Compensation insurance. I can provide you a super bill for which you can apply for reimbursement.
Your First Visit
What Is the Cost of the First Visit?
The initial exam cost is typically $75 for those who pay at time of service. A deposit is required when scheduling the appointment.
Your practitioner will thoroughly review your intake forms, ask about your health history and many details about your symptoms and reasons for seeking treatment. You will also receive a nutritional assessment using Nutrition Response Testing(R). Then you will be provided with an initial treatment plan.
If your exam takes longer than 30 minutes, then the cost of the initial exam would range from $105 - 130, in order to be consistent with health insurance law.
What if My Insurance Covers the Cost of Initial Exam?
Your $75 deposit will then be applied to any deductible, copays and/or supplements. After your insurance makes payment, any amounts in excess will be refunded to you.
What Can I Expect During an Acupuncture Treatment?
Please arrive for your acupuncture appointment having consumed a meal within the previous few hours. I will review your intake form, discuss your condition, your goals, and ask some clarifying questions. Then you will lie comfortably on a massage table. The acupuncture points I choose will depend on your condition, but you can expect about 20 needles. Once the needles are inserted, I will leave you to rest comfortably for 25-30 minutes with the needles in place. You will have a call button if needed, but it is not uncommon for patients to fall asleep during this time.
What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?
Some first-time patients are jittery about needles. Acupuncture needles are sterile, single-use, flexible, and hair-thin. You will feel a slight sharp sensation with insertion, and then your body normalizes the presence of the needle such that you may have awareness of it, but no pain. Many people find acupuncture treatment deeply relaxing.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The benefits of acupuncture are cumulative. For acute conditions you can expect to have 5 to 12 treatments. Chronic conditions may take longer to respond, depending on the type, severity, and duration of the condition. We can often work on 2-3 complaints at the same time, but will target your identified priority. Many patients like to schedule preventative treatments or treatments for general well-being; these may be scheduled on an as-needed basis.
How Safe is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture has a strong record of safety, and millions of Americans receive sessions every year. But as with all things in life, there are some attendant risks, These are outlined in the Consent Form, and I am happy to answer your questions in clinic. Acupuncturists undergo extensive education, including detailed study of human anatomy and training in Clean Needle Technique. I have passed comprehensive national board examinations administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and am licensed by the Minnesota Medical Board. As required by law, I use pre-sterilized, disposable, single-use needles to ensure your safety.
Aitkin Acupuncture at Riverwood Healthcare Center
brown log building
601 Bunker Hill Drive, Aitkin MN
Mon, Tues, Weds, Thurs, Select Fri/Sat
Re-order Supplements on:
Fullscript
