FAQ

People seek acupuncture care for many reasons, including back, neck, shoulder, and joint pain; headaches and migraines; stress; sleep concerns; muscle tension; injury recovery; digestive comfort; and overall wellness.

Treatment is personalized to your health history, symptoms, and goals. Individual results vary, and acupuncture is complementary care, not a replacement for emergency, primary, or specialty medical care.

Most people find acupuncture very gentle and relaxing. The needles used are extremely thin, much thinner than the needles used for injections or blood draws. You may feel a brief pinch as a needle is inserted, followed by a mild sensation of warmth, heaviness, tingling, or pressure. Many patients feel calm or sleepy during treatment.

Please let us know if you feel uncomfortable at any point. Your comfort is important, and treatment can always be adjusted.

Your first visit is 60 minutes and costs $150. We begin with an in-depth conversation about your health history, symptoms, daily routines, and treatment goals. You will then receive a personalized acupuncture treatment.

Before you leave, we will discuss recommendations for follow-up care and answer any questions you have about your treatment plan.

We work with PacificSource, Aetna, BCBS, Cigna and VA Community Care referrals. Coverage depends on your individual plan and may include deductibles, copays, coinsurance, visit limits, referrals, or prior authorization requirements.

Insurance coverage is never guaranteed. It is your responsibility to contact your insurance company before your appointment to confirm acupuncture benefits and any requirements under your plan.

Call the member-services number on the back of your insurance card and ask:

• Is acupuncture covered under my plan?

• Does Missoula Acupuncture or my acupuncturist qualify as an in-network provider?

• Do I have a deductible, copay, or coinsurance for acupuncture?

• How many acupuncture visits are covered each calendar year?

• Do I need a referral, prior authorization, or a specific diagnosis for coverage?

• Are there exclusions or limitations I should know about?

If we do not bill your insurance plan, payment is due at the time of your visit. We can provide a superbill: an itemized receipt you may submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.

Your insurer decides whether it will reimburse any portion of the visit, so please confirm your acupuncture benefits before beginning care.

After you schedule, you will automatically receive an email with your new-patient intake form and all the information needed for your visit. Please complete your form before your appointment.

We generally recommend eating a light meal and drinking water beforehand. Wear loose, comfortable clothing or clothing that allows access to your arms and lower legs. If you do not receive your intake-form email, please contact us.

Follow-up acupuncture appointments are typically 45 minutes. Each visit includes a brief check-in about your progress, symptoms, and any changes since your last treatment, followed by a personalized acupuncture treatment.

The number and frequency of visits depend on your symptoms, health history, goals, and how your body responds to care. Some concerns may benefit from more frequent visits at the beginning, followed by less frequent appointments as symptoms improve.

We will discuss recommendations with you after your first visit and adjust your plan as needed. You are always welcome to ask questions about treatment frequency, cost, and next steps.

Yes. We offer packages for follow-up acupuncture visits for patients who would like to plan ahead and commit to a recommended course of care.

• 6-visit package: $700

• 12-visit package: $1,300

Please book your appointment and let us know at your visit if you would like to purchase a package. Packages are intended for follow-up visits and are not insurance-billable.

Treatment packages are self-pay and are not submitted to insurance. If you have insurance coverage for acupuncture, we can discuss whether using insurance or purchasing a package makes the most sense for your care.

Acupuncture may be used as supportive care during pregnancy for certain concerns, but every patient and pregnancy is different. Please let us know if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or have any pregnancy-related concerns so your care can be tailored appropriately.

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified practitioner using sterile, single-use needles. Some people may have mild, temporary effects such as slight soreness, minor bleeding or bruising at a needle site, lightheadedness, or tiredness after treatment.

Tell us before treatment if you take blood-thinning medication, have a bleeding disorder, have a pacemaker or implanted electrical device, have fainted with needles in the past, or have other health concerns we should know about. 

We ask at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or change an appointment. Late cancellations and missed appointments may be subject to a fee.

Giving notice allows us to offer the appointment time to another patient who may be waiting for care. If an unexpected situation comes up, please contact us as soon as possible.