NEW PATIENT

Initial  Acupuncture Visit
FAQ's

What Should I Expect On My First Visit?

All treatment begins with a proper diagnosis, which takes place during your first visit. A lot of time is spent getting a complete picture of your health and lifestyle, especially if you are coming in for fertility related issues or complex health issues. We examine the condition of your tongue (is it cracked, coated, excessively pink? etc.) and check your pulse on both wrists (the quality of your pulse gives information about possible imbalances). We’ll also ask questions about your emotional state and specific symptoms you may have. This is done because we are treating the whole person which is often different than the western paradigm.

The first visit (with diagnosis) can last from an hour to an hour and a half depending on the nature of the issue and it includes a consultation in addition to an acupuncture treatment. Your subsequent visits will be much faster and last about 45 minutes to an hour. A follow up consists of a review of your progress followed by an acupuncture treatment.

If it’s warranted, we also may recommend an herbal formula. Herbs are nearly always combined in a balanced fashion, where different herbs have supporting effects. Thousands of years of use and research have shown that this is far more effective than large doses of a single substance. Keep in mind herbs cannot replace the lifestyle factors, such as dense nutrition, sleep, movement, avoiding toxins… which support and build foundational health. If the basic fundamentals are neglected altogether progress could be extremally slow or non-existent seeing that the momentum to produce positive change must be greater that the factors which created the imbalance in the first place.

Typically acupuncture treatments are given once a week, especially initially. If the condition is acute and painful or if one is prepping for an egg retrieval in an IVF cycle, treatments may be given 2-3 times per week for a period of time. The exact duration of treatment depends on the condition, your basic level of health, and how well you respond to acupuncture.

Do I need to do anything to prepare for my first acupuncture visit?

• Make sure to eat something light an hour or two before arriving

• Do not eat a heavy meal or drink alcohol right before treatment

• Try to minimize the intake of caffeine

• Wear clothes that are either stretchy or loose 

• Bring any relevant imaging or lab work with you

• Bring completed online intake forms(VERY IMPORTANT)

• Please arrive on time so that you may benefit fully

NEW PATIENT

Forms

Please print off and complete the forms below to bring with for your first appointment.

*For musculoskeletal issues that are basic in nature you only need to print and fill out the first two pages of the General Intake as well as the complete the Mandatory Disclosure & Informed Consent.

Fertility Patients

Acupuncture General Intake

Mandatory Disclosure and Informed Consent

Women's Fertility History

Men's Fertility History

Non- Fertility Patients

**For those with issues that are not complicated in nature, such as basic musculoskeletal issues, you only need to print and complete the first two pages of the Acupuncture General Intake and the Mandatory Disclosure & Informed Consent

Acupuncture General Intake

Mandatory Disclosure and Informed Consent

The practice accepts insurance for acupuncture patients and is in network with BCBS but also accepts out of network insurance provided acupuncture benefits are included with your plan. In order to best serve you please have your insurance verified before your scheduled appointment. Please click on the link below and complete the online form- this verification takes up to 48 hours . If your appointment time is scheduled before the allowed 48 hour verification time frame, please include the words "RUSH Verification" in the Additional Information box provided at the bottom of the verification screen to expedite the process. We will contact you as soon as the benefits are established. 

***Please note that at this time most insurance carriers generally do not cover acupuncture for the diagnosis of infertility because they see it as experimental. Occasionally, patients can get partial coverage because they are being treated concurrently for another diagnosis which is covered. Acupuncture coverage in Illinois is becoming increasing challenging with insurance companies placing very strict diagnostic restrictions, as well as strict terms and conditions regarding treatment. BCBS has recently (2022) changed the majority of their plans which include acupuncture coverage to be limited to the diagnosis of migraines and headaches only and other major carriers have recently implemented restrictions which make getting coverage challenging. Please note that all patients are responsible for understanding their plan terms and conditions and the summary supplied by our billers is done as a courtesy to patients.***