Q. Does Acupuncture hurt?
A. Needles are inserted just below the surface of the skin. The
sensations felt vary from person to person.
Sometimes a person may feel nothing at all, or perhaps a dull ache or
tingling.
Q. What about the needles?
A. Acupuncture needles, unlike hypodermic needles, are very thin, about
the thickness of a human hair.
They are made of the finest quality stainless steel, and are
pre-sterilized, indivually wrapped and disposable.
Once used, the needles are disposed of in accordance with OSHA
regulations.
Q. How long will I need to have acupuncture?
A. The length of time needed for acupuncture treatment varies with each
individual, and is dependant on many factors. These include type of
condition, length of illness, health and constitution of the patient.
Progress is evaluated periodically, and patients are encouraged to keep
a journal of the things that have shifted since beginning treatment.
Q. How will I know if acupuncture is working?
A. Various changes may occur after treatment. They may be subtle or
profound. Progress is different for every individual. While your
initial purpose in receiving acupuncture may be the alleviation of a
particular symptom, your practitioner is monitoring a variety of health
issues such as sleep, appetite, digestion, and emotional well-being.
Frequently, patients notice changes in these areas first. You may
notice an overall positive change in your symptoms and general feeling
of well-being after 6-10 sessions. Since each session builds on the
last, change is usually noticed after a year. Ultimately, it is how you
feel in yourself that will be the true test of how well acupuncture is
working.
Q. What about my regular medical care?
A. Acupuncturists cooperate with other health providers and do not
recommend altering medications or other therapies
without the patient consulting the personal physician or provider.
Acupuncture is best used in conjunction with other
health promoting attitudes and behaviors.
Q. How do I choose a practitioner?
A. Some questions to ask a prospective practitioner include:
- What are your credentials?
- A licensed acupuncturist (with the initials L.Ac., M.Ac.)
is licensed, and has a masters degree in Acupuncture.
They have received over 500 hours of clinical experience
in Traditional Chinese Medicine during their 3-5 years of
training. This is the "whole-person" approach.
- Medical Doctors who are accredited with the American Academy
of Medical Acupuncture have received 200 hours of training in
medical acupuncture. This is the "symptom oriented" approach.
- Some medical doctors take a weekend course, and then
practice acupuncture.
- Where was the practitioner trained?
- How long was the training?
- What type of acupuncture do they practice?
- How long have they been in practice?
- Have they had experience treating your symptom?
Q. Is Acupuncture covered by my health insurance?
A. Many health insurance companies and HMO's now cover acupuncture
services either fully or partially. Check with
your insurance carrier to be sure. Questions to ask the insurance
company include:
- Do you cover acupuncture?
- If so, at what percentage?
- Under what conditions?
Q. Do you participate with any Insurance companies?
A. Jean Donati is a Blue Cross Blue Shield non-preferred provider.
Q. What about Medicare?
A. At this time, medicare does not cover acupuncture services.
Q. How much does a treatment cost?
A. Cost of treatment:
- Initial evaluation $140
- Subsequent visits $75
- Detox $45
A sliding fee scale is available for those unable to afford the
usual fee. I prefer that people experience acupuncture and pay what
they can afford rather than forgo treatment.
Q. How long is the first visit?
A. New Client visit is 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Please wear comfortable
clothing and eat prior to appointment.
This visit involves the taking of a medical history, western physical
exam, eastern physical exam and treatment as time allows.
Q. How do I schedule an appointment?
A. Please contact me at 410-984-3700
