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Showing posts from August, 2022

Does Medicare Pay for Acupuncture?

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  The short answer is a qualified yes, under two conditions: Medicare will only pay for acupuncture if it is performed by a medical doctor (MD) or a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant that also has a master’s degree or higher in acupuncture or oriental medicine. The acupuncture treatment must be for chronic low back pain . Medicare defines chronic as more than 12 weeks. If both of the above conditions are met, Medicare will pay for 12 visits occurring within 90 days. If acupuncture care is providing improvement, an additional 8 visits will be authorized. No more than 20 visits will be paid for in a calendar year. CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) does not recognize acupuncturists as providers for Medicare, therefore acupuncturists may not bill Medicare for acupuncture. In July 2021, bill H.R. 4803 known as “Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act 2021” was introduced in the House to include acupuncturists as providers for CMS. This bill has not progressed any further t

Acupuncture for Migraine

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  For centuries, acupuncture has been used to relieve the excruciating pain of migraine headaches, and studies performed by today’s medical experts continue to support its safety and effectiveness. To schedule an appointment , call the office in Castle Rock, Colorado, or book a visit online. Migraine Q & A What causes migraines? Migraine is a neurological disorder that occurs when cranial nerves overreact to a trigger, sending signals to your brain that lead to a migraine. While there are many potential triggers that initiate a migraine, some of the most common include: Stress Fatigue Caffeine Bright lights Certain odors Skipping a meal Changes in weather Foods and additives Some women find that hormone fluctuations during their menstrual periods trigger migraines. What symptoms occur during a migraine? Migraines are one of the most intense types of headaches you can experience. The primary symptoms of a migraine include: Excruciating, throbbing pain, often around one or both templ

Acupuncture for Low Back Pain

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  Low back pain is the most common cause of disability in people under the age of 45. This type of chronic pain seldom gets better with conventional medical care, but you have hope when you’re treated with acupuncture. To schedule an appointment , call the office in Castle Rock, Colorado , or use the online booking feature. Low Back Pain Q & A What causes low back pain? Your lower back is vulnerable to painful injuries and degeneration because it supports the weight of your body while providing optimal flexibility. As you twist, bend, and lift — and especially if you frequently perform these movements — it’s easy to injure ligaments and muscles. As you get older, years of repetitive movements lead to degenerative changes that cause inflammation and pinched nerves. Some of the most common degenerative conditions that cause low back pain include: Herniated disc Facet joint osteoarthritis Degenerative disc disease Thickened ligaments Spinal stenosis Some underlying health conditions

Acupuncture for Bladder Infection

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Having one bladder infection is bad enough, but for 30% of women, these infections can become a chronic problem Her expertise in traditional Chinese medicine allows her to develop individualized care for your bladder infection, using herbal medicine and acupuncture. Call the office in Castle Rock, Colorado, or book an appointment online. Bladder Infection Q & A What causes a bladder infection? Bladder infections are the most common type of urinary tract infection. When the infection occurs in the urethra — the tube that carries urine out of your body — it’s called urethritis. If the infection travels up the urethra and into your bladder, the bladder infection is called cystitis. You develop a bladder infection when bacteria living on the skin around your anus get inside the urinary tract. Normally, bacteria are flushed out of the urethra when you urinate, but sometimes they manage to take hold and infect your bladder. What increases my risk for a bladder infection? Women are more

Acupuncture for Plantar Fasciitis

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  If you have heel pain, especially if you feel a sharp pain when you first walk in the morning, chances are you have plantar fasciitis, the most common cause of heel pain To get help for your plantar fasciitis, call the office in Castle Rock, Colorado, or schedule an appointment online. Plantar Fasciitis Q & A What is plantar fasciitis? A broad ligament called the plantar fascia attaches to your heel and runs across the bottom of your foot to the base of your toes. This ligament supports the arch and absorbs shock every time you take a step. When the plantar fascia suffers a tear or excessive stress, or if you develop problems with the arch, the ligament becomes inflamed and painful. That’s when you have plantar fasciitis. What symptoms develop due to plantar fasciitis? Heel pain is the key symptom of plantar fasciitis. However, your heel may become swollen and you can also experience pain in the arch. In most cases, the heel pain is worse when you first start walking after sleep