More health insurance plans are covering acupuncture to treat chronic pain and other symptoms. Find out when it’s covered.
Acupuncture has come a long way since it was first introduced in the United States. Today, it’s an alternative health care treatment that’s often integrated with traditional medical care.
Medical professionals may prescribe acupuncture to treat a variety of symptoms. It’s popular among people who have chronic back, neck or knee pain. Acupuncture can also help prevent nausea associated with chemotherapy and surgery.
Not all health plans cover acupuncture. Those that do vary in how and when they cover treatment.*
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a health practice that originated in China. There are different types of acupuncture. They all include using needles placed under the skin to stimulate points in the body and ease symptoms.
Acupuncture has changed over the years. Today it’s much different from the ancient form and also much safer. For example, instead of re-using silver and gold needles, practitioners use safer disposable needles. Practitioners today may also apply heat and mild electrical impulses to needles to improve results.
What are the risks of acupuncture?
The risks of acupuncture are relatively low when you see a certified practitioner. But treatment can cause serious side effects if it is not done properly. Side effects may include infection, bleeding, punctured organs and injury to the central nervous system.
You should avoid acupuncture if you:
- Have a pacemaker. Electrical impulses can interfere with its operation.
- Are pregnant. In some cases, acupuncture could start labor and cause premature delivery.
- Have bleeding disorders or take blood thinners. These can increase your chances of bleeding or bruising from needle insertions.
Is acupuncture right for you?
Acupuncture may not be right for your condition. Here’s how to find out if you could benefit from treatment:
- Talk with your doctor. Acupuncture should only be used to complement your doctor’s care, not replace it. Your doctor can help you decide if acupuncture is right for you.
- Find the right practitioner. Use as much care as you would in choosing a traditional health care professional. Read reviews, check health directories, or ask your doctor for a referral.
What to expect during treatment
You don’t need to do anything special to prepare for your session. During your first treatment, the practitioner will ask questions about your symptoms and may examine parts of your body where you feel pain.
The treatment causes little discomfort. Here’s how it works:
- You will lie on a padded table during the session and wear your own clothing or a gown or sheet.
- The practitioner will explain where needles will be placed during treatment.
- When you are comfortable, the practitioner will place 5-20 thin needles under your skin. You may feel a slight tingling or ache.
- As you relax, the practitioner may move the needles or apply heat or mild electrical pulses.
- After 10-20 minutes, the practitioner will remove the needles.
You may need more than one treatment to manage your symptoms. It could take as many as six to eight treatments. How often you need treatment depends on your condition and symptoms.
After treatment
Some people say they feel relaxed after treatment. Others say they have more energy. It might take a few days before you notice a change in your symptoms. But if they don’t improve within a few weeks, you may need to try other treatment.
How Blue Cross covers acupuncture
Some Blue Cross health plans cover acupuncture when it is medically necessary and prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe acupuncture to treat:
- Chronic pain that has lasted at least six months and did not respond to more conservative forms of treatment, like drugs or physical therapy
- Nausea due to surgery or chemotherapy
Blue Cross is here for your health
Blue Cross and Blue Plus make it easy to get answers to your health questions. If you’re a member, you have online access to doctors and a variety of health resources at your fingertips. Log in to your member site to find a doctor and see ‘wellness’ for your resources.
If you do not have health insurance, Blue Cross and Blue Plus offer a range of health plans to meet your needs and budget. All health plans include preventive care coverage along with tools and resources to help you stay healthy and protect the health of your entire family. Talk with an agent or connect with a Blue Cross Advisor to learn more.
This is general information about how plan benefits work.
This is general information about how plan benefits work. Review the Summary of Benefits and Coverage and your specific health plan benefit booklet for information about how your plan works.
It’s up to you to always check if your provider is in your health plan network before you receive services. Not all providers are in every network. You may pay more or for all of your healthcare costs if your provider is out of your network or does not have a contract with Blue Cross (this is called a non-participating provider). You can verify if your provider is in your network by calling customer service at the number on the back of your member ID card.