- What
should I look for when selecting an Acupuncturist?
Doctors
are a good resource for referrals to acupuncturists.
Increasingly, doctors are familiar with acupuncture and may
know of a certified practitioner. In addition, more medical
doctors, including neurologists, anesthesiologists, and specialists
in physical medicine, are becoming trained in acupuncture,
traditional Chinese medicine, and other alternative and complementary
therapies. Friends and family members may be a source of referrals
as well.
Check
a practitioner's credentials.
A practitioner who is licensed and credentialed may provide
better care than one who is not. About 30 states have established
training standards for certification to practice acupuncture,
but not all states require acupuncturists to obtain a license
to practice. Although proper credentials do not ensure competency,
they do indicate that the practitioner has met certain standards
to treat patients with acupuncture.
The
American Academy of Medical Acupuncture can give you a referral
list of doctors who practice
acupuncture. The National Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Alliance lists thousands of acupuncturists on its Web site
and provides the list to callers to their information and
referral line. The Alliance requires documentation of state
license or national board certification from its listed acupuncturists.
The American Association of Oriental Medicine can tell you
the state licensing status of acupuncture practitioners across
the United States as well.
Check
treatment cost and insurance coverage.
Reflecting
public demand, an estimated 70 to 80 percent of the nation's
insurers covered some acupuncture treatments in 1996. An acupuncturist
may provide information about the number of treatments needed
and how much each will cost. Generally, treatment may take
place over a few days or several weeks. The cost per treatment
typically ranges between $30 and $100 (US), but it may be
appreciably more. Physician acupuncturists may charge more
than nonphysician practitioners.
Check
treatment procedures.
To find out about the treatment procedures that will be used
and their likelihood of success. You also should make certain
that the practitioner uses a new set of disposable needles
in a sealed package every time. The FDA requires the use of
sterile, nontoxic needles that bear a labeling statement restricting
their use to qualified practitioners. The practitioner also
should swab the puncture site with alcohol or another disinfectant
before inserting the needle.
Some
practitioners may use electroacupuncture; others may use moxibustion.
These approaches are part of traditional Chinese medicine,
and Western researchers are beginning to study whether they
enhance acupuncture's effects.
During
your first office visit, the practitioner may ask you at length
about your health condition, lifestyle, and behavior. The
practitioner will want to obtain a complete picture of your
treatment needs and behaviors that may contribute to the condition.
This holistic approach is typical of traditional Chinese medicine
and many other alternative and complementary therapies.
Let
the acupuncturist, or any doctor for that matter, know about
all treatments or medications you are taking and whether you
have a pacemaker, are pregnant, or have breast or other implants.
You can avoid unnecessary risks to your health by telling
your practitioner of these matters.
