Medicare – Low Back Pain Covered For Acupuncture, In Some Cases

Mon, Feb 10, 2020

Enjoy our weekly wellness tip from Licensed Acupuncturist, Michael Savalli, from the office of Elizabeth Martin.

Acupuncture Covered Under Medicare In Some Cases

In an exciting decision, following a thorough study, the CMS has decided to cover acupuncture for low back pain.  Being motivated to find treatments that can satisfy the growing numbers within the population that suffer from acute and chronic pain, while working to circumvent the many negative side-effects of opiate-based pain treatments, the CMS, which manages Medicare, has decided to include acupuncture as a valid option for chronic low back pain.  They do so after conducting an in-depth study on the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating chronic low back pain.  Coverage is for a series of treatments because, with acupuncture, this leads to better results.

There are however specific conditions to this decision.  The pain must have been for 12 weeks or more, with no identifiable systemic cause, and not from surgery, nor pregnancy.  Medicare will cover the first 12 treatments, (in 90 days), then 8 more if showing improvement.  The acupuncture must be performed by a practitioner that has a state license, and a Master’s degree or higher from accredited acupuncture or Oriental Medicine school; or from a licensed physician.  Perhaps most importantly though, is that non-physicians performing acupuncture must be “under the appropriate level of supervision” by one.  It is unclear at this time if that means you can only get acupuncture for low back pain covered by Medicare if you go through your primary physician.  However, that’s no reason not to pursue it!  If you’re covered by Medicare and have the qualifying chronic low back pain, then see your physician and ask them about acupuncture!  This is still a great step towards supporting non-pharmacological interventions by Medicare, and we should take advantage.

Meet Michael Savalli, MSOM, L.Ac

Michael is a board certified NY State Licensed Acupuncturist, who received his Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine from New York College of Health Professions.  While in this program, he also specialized in Chinese Herbal Medicine. If you or anyone you know is interested in staying healthy this season, schedule your appointment and learn how Acupuncture and herbs can boost your immunity. 

631-601-6491

Click to learn more about Michael Savalli, MSOM, L.Ac

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To enhance your healthy lifestyle experience we sell all forms of Chinese herbal linaments, to pain patches and liquids that help the pain, enhance healing, and promote wellness. Each product has been carefully selected and tested. We only sell high-quality medicinal grade products. Ask your practitioner what products would be right for you!

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Sound healing is a form of meditation that is performed in a group where you lay on a yoga mat and let the sound transport you. 
Sound healing has many benefits including:

• reducing stress and anxiety
• improves circulation
• deepens relaxation
• increases mental & emotional clarity. 
• restores balance

Vibrational sound healing can be traced back from present-day trends to many ancient civilizations including India, Africa, Europe, and the Orient. The idea is to restore balance to the chakra system and clearing the blocked energy within ourselves. Sound healing is similar to reiki healing; It is a form of energy healing that allows your body to self-regulate and self heal.

Let the sounds vibrate through you to feel the power of self-preservation and healing.
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Acupuncture & Medicare – an Important First Step!

With Love,

Liz

Elizabeth M. Martin, MSOM, L.Ac, LMT and the Staff at Hands on Acupuncture and Massage Therapy, P.C.