Before Your First Visit
Before your first visit, print and complete the New Patient Form. Consider your goals, your expectations, and write down any questions. If you have several conditions or symptoms you would like to address, please rank them according to the order in which you would like to have them treated. Also consider how the conditions or symptoms seem to be triggered, how often they occur, and whether anything makes you feel better or worse.
If you experience pain, be prepared to offer a description about the type of pain. Also consider the level of pain on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst. Note any restriction of your activities, which activities or types of movement cause the pain, whether it radiates, stays in one place or if you experience pain in different places at different times.
If there is any chance that you are pregnant, you should let me know. While acupuncture is safe during pregnancy, there are certain points that we do not use on pregnant women. Pregnancy will also affect what types of herbal therapy may be used, if any.
Allergies to any foods, medications, supplements, herbs, plants, or animals should be noted clearly, along with any chemical or environmental sensitivities. If you have chemical or environmental sensitivities, please advise me prior to your first appointment so that I do not use any essential oils in the treatment room prior to your visit.
How to Prepare for Your Treatment
In order to make your visit as comfortable as possible, here are a few guidelines:
—Eat a light meal and drink some water prior to your treatment. In general, you should stick to a normal eating schedule, and do not overeat or undereat. If you have been fasting, please let me know.
—Do not drink any alcohol on the day of a scheduled treatment.
—Try to avoid heavy exertion before and after a treatment.
—Try not to be rushed. If possible, schedule your appointment for a time that allows you some "cushion" before and after so that you can focus on yourself and relax.
—Please turn off your cell phone when you come into the office. Again, the focus should be on you while you are in the treatment room.
—Wear loose comfortable clothing, in the form of separates, that can be easily rolled up past the elbows and knees and allows access to the abdomen or back. A gown and draping will be provided as necessary.
Your Visit
During your first visit, I will review your health history and current health concern with you. I will ask questions that are relevant to making a holistic Chinese medical diagnosis, conduct a basic physical examination, and discuss a treatment plan.
For the acupuncture treatment, you will be in a comfortable position that you can maintain for several minutes. Usually, you will lie on your back or your stomach, depending on the acupoints chosen. If that is not comfortable for you, an appropriate position for your situation will be used. You will rest with the needles in place for approximately 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your condition, comfort level, and other modalities to be used. Your cell phone should be off so that you are not disturbed. Remember, this time is for you!
On return visits, I will monitor your progress, adjusting your treatments and treatment plan accordingly. Be sure to tell me if you have any new symptoms, health concerns, or newly diagnosed medical conditions. Also let me know if there have been changes in your medications or supplements. Communication is very important. As your initial health problem resolves, other areas of concern can be addressed, and new health goals may be established. The ultimate goal will be to achieve a maintenance and preventative health program.
Fees
Initial history, exam, and acupuncture treatment
(1-1/2 hours) |
$120 |
Follow-up acupuncture treatment (1 hour) |
$ 80 |
Herbal therapy-only follow-up (20-30 minutes) |
$ 40 |
Monthly treatment packages are available for chronic conditions, stress management, facial rejuvenation, weight management, and other protocols requiring multiple monthly treatments.
The initial history with exam, and periodic in-person visits are required for individuals who wish to do herbal or nutritional therapy only.
The cost of herbal prescriptions and supplements are product specific and are not included in the treatment fees.
Payment
Payment is accepted in the form of cash or personal checks.
Insurance
If your insurance covers acupuncture treatments, let me know. I will provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance company for direct reimbursement.
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