Your First Visit

How to Prepare for Your First Acupuncture Session
After scheduling online, or by phone, you will get a confirmation email with a link to online forms you can fill out at home. These forms go directly to my Electronic Health Records (EHR) system. You do not need to print anything. Please use a laptop, desktop, or iPad, not your phone. You may arrive 20 minutes early to fill out forms on our office iPad. Bring a list of prescribed medication and supplements. For your session, wear clothing to allow access to points on legs, abdomen, arms, and back. I have draping material as well. Eat a snack beforehand if it’s been hours since you last ate. Do not skip breakfast if you have a morning appointment.

Culinary Members / Miembro Culinario
I am in network with Culinary Health Fund. Members, please call us beforehand so we may verify benefits. You MUST bring your insurance card plus ID to your first visit. Si es un miembro Culinario, llame a la oficina para verificar los beneficios antes de su primera visita. DEBE traer su tarjeta de seguro más identificación a su primera visita.

Medicare
Acupuncturists / Oriental Medicine Doctors are NOT approved providers for Medicare.

Fertility and Pediatric
I do NOT provide fertility services. I only treat adult patients.

Other Insurance
Except for Culinary Health Fund, I do not take insurance. On request, I can provide an itemized receipt with procedure and diagnosis codes called a superbill. Please request your superbills when you check in.

Patient Expectations
We will take care of business before treatment including co-pay payment and scheduling, signing off on package sessions, etc. Patients are requested to wash or sanitize hands before treatment. Please refrain from wearing fragrances, colognes, or perfumes. The clinic is accessible to patients at all levels of mobility. You will find my clinic to be clean, comfortable, and inviting. Every effort is made to see you on time and to stay within the time limit of your session.

After Your Acupuncture Session
Acupuncture can move a lot of qi and Blood, as well as open the body’s systems to change. Be sure to re-hydrate and rest after treatment. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as well. Acupuncture may potentiate these substances and cause a stronger effect if taken the same day. Pay attention to anything that feels different over the next 48 hours. If anything feels painful, uncomfortable or just “off” – PLEASE contact me! I check my voicemail and texts frequently. Everybody reacts to acupuncture in their own way, particularly in the early phases of treatment.

A Treatment Plan
Your unique needs guide the treatment plan – your acupuncture session may include other modalities to promote healing as appropriate for your chief complaint. You may be given ear seeds, acupressure homework, prescribed an herbal formula, or leave with dietary recommendations. As a first-time acupuncture patient, expect a 15–20-minute intake for your medical history. Follow up sessions have a shorter intake and always include treatment. You will have privacy to undress have a bell on hand while relaxing with needles for assistance. Sound machines, music, heat lamps, and appropriate draping ensure a comfortable and secure treatment.

While acupuncture is a highly effective modality, one-and-done experiences are rare. We will discuss how to proceed with your treatment plan during your first session. Often, I recommend three sessions within about 10 days. My practice offers multi-session pre-paid plans. Consistency is key to reaping the benefits of acupuncture therapy. You are worth the investment.

I am looking forward to being your partner in healing and lasting health!