The number of treatments necessary will depend upon your condition, if your symptoms are chronic or acute, and your health in general. The needles may vary in size, depending upon your condition and the course of treatment prescribed. One advantage of acupuncture treatment is the absence of serious side effects which may result from the use of prescription drugs. A. See California Code of Regulations, Title 16, section 1399.456 . An acupuncturist is considered a primary care provider and a referral may or may not be required for insurance purposes.
Many insurance companies do cover acupuncture treatment.
For more information on insurance requirements, please contact either your insurance company or an acupuncture association. A. No, although the majority of acupuncturists do use disposable needles. Q. I read an advertisement where an acupuncturist claims the ability to cure my disease. A Request for Return of Original Documents is available from the Board. An acupuncturist's license expires annually on the last day of his or her birth month.