If you've reached this page, you probably have some questions about acupuncture! Here are some of the most common questions and answers to alleviate any concerns and help you feel comfortable, educated, and excited! If there is a question you have that is not covered on this page, we are happy to answer them! Please feel free to call our office at (805)-728-1003 or email us at dawoomclinic@gmail.com for further assistance at any time.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM ACUPUNCTURE? CAN MINORS GET TREATMENT?
Pretty much everyone! Acupuncture is effective for addressing a multitude of conditions, including behavioral, emotional, and physical health concerns. It's safe, sterile, and relieving. Minors can receive acupuncture and other treatments we offer, provided their parent(s) and/or guardian fill out a consent form.
what can i expect in an appointment? how should i prepare?
If it's your first appointment, you can expect to spend about 20-30 minutes filling out your medical history and consent forms. This does not affect your treatment time (approximately an hour), but we understand that patients can have tight schedules. We encourage you to provide your email when scheduling your appointment with us, so that we can send you a link to our patient portal, through Unified Practice, where you can fill out these forms in advance of your appointment and save time! Afterwards, the doctor will review your files and speak with you regarding your health concerns and create a treatment plan specific to your needs. Depending on where you are receiving treatment, items of clothing may need to be removed. For sanitary purposes, we ask that all patients come to appointments with underwear. We provide a clean medical gown in every patient room. After treatments, patients can feel fatigued or very relaxed. If you've experienced exhaustion in other treatments, such as a chiropractic treatment, massage, or physical therapy, we encourage you to have a family member or friend available to get you home safely.
WHEN CAN I EXPECT TO SEE RESULTS FROM MY TREATMENT?
Everyone's body and reactions to treatment differ. Some patients can experience relief right after just one treatment session. In general, most patients notice a difference in their quality of life and health concerns after the 4th session. Please note that we cannot guarantee results.
DOES INSURANCE COVER THE ENTIRE SCOPE OF MY TREATMENT?
Insurance companies vary in their health benefits and coverage. While one insurance may cover acupuncture and cupping, another may only cover acupuncture. In addition to your treatment, you may be offered or recommended herbal medicine, moxibustion, and/or nutritional counseling to enhance and support your treatment plan. While helpful, these are not typically covered by insurance.
HOW DO I ACCESS THE PATIENT PORTAL?
If you have an appointment booked with us, we will create an account for you in Unified Practice and send you two emails. One, inviting you to create a patient account, and a second, reminding you to fill out your forms, if possible, prior to your appointment. If you do not receive these emails, but have an upcoming appointment with us, we ask that you check your spam folder. If there are no emails to be found, call or email us to so that we may better assist you and resend the invites if necessary. If you already have created an account with us but haven't recently scheduled an appointment or wish to update your health/insurance information, you can also access Unified Practice through this link: Patient Portal (unifiedpractice.com).
ARE THERE ANY RISKS TO ACUPUNCTURE?
Under the care of a Licensed Acupuncturist, there are minimal risks with acupuncture treatment. You may experience slight bleeding or bruising as a result of needles puncturing the skin and stimulation of a trigger point. We greatly care for the health of our patients and take every precaution in providing a clean, relaxing, and sterile environment. Every room goes through a thorough cleaning, changing of sheets, gown, and our needles are always pre-packed and single use to lower the risk of infection. Your health and safety are our priority.
CAN I RECIEVE ACUPUNCTURE IN COMBINATION WITH TREATMENT FROM OTHER MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS?
Yes, you can! Please let us know what other medications and treatments you are currently using, so that we may be informed and work in conjunction with your medical professional to best support you.