Questions to Ask an Acupuncturist Before Starting

Why ask

Choosing an acupuncturist deserves the same care as choosing any health professional. NCCIH, part of the US National Institutes of Health, says to select a complementary practitioner with the same care you would use in choosing a conventional medical provider. [1] This page is a question list, not a recommendation of any person or clinic. It does not list practitioners.

Finding names, and why "near me" is not enough

NCCIH cannot refer you to practitioners. [2] It suggests first checking with your doctor, a nearby hospital or medical school, professional organizations, state regulatory agencies or licensing boards, or your insurer. [2] A search result or a map listing does not show that someone is licensed. Use the checks below, and see How to Choose an Acupuncturist.

Questions about credentials

In the United States there is no standardized national system for credentialing complementary health practitioners, and states decide what credentials are required. [1]

1. Are you licensed in this state, and how can I check it? In most states, acupuncturists must be certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) or pass its exams to be licensed. [1] Licensing requirements vary from state to state. [3] Confirm with the state licensing board, not just the clinic.
2. What was your training, and what do your letters mean? NCCIH warns that being licensed or certified is not always a guarantee of being qualified. [1] See Titles Explained and NCCAOM and Board Certification.
3. Do you have experience with people who have my condition? NCCIH advises finding out about the practitioner's training and experience in working with people who have your conditions. [2]

In England, the NHS says other complementary therapists (its page lists acupuncture among them) do not need to be registered by law, so the NHS advises choosing one registered with a professional organisation accredited by the Professional Standards Authority. [4] I did not read rules for other countries; see Acupuncture Regulation Outside the US.

Questions about the plan

1. How many sessions will I need, and when do we review? Cancer Research UK advises discussing how many treatments you will need before you start, because it varies. [6] See Acupuncture Treatment Plans.
2. What do you expect it to do, and what are the limits? Be cautious of promises. Cancer Research UK says there is no evidence acupuncture can help treat or cure cancer. [6] NCCIH says not to use acupuncture to postpone seeing a health care provider about a health problem. [3] For warning signs, see Red Flags in Acupuncture Practice and Claims.

Questions about cost and insurance

1. What does the first visit cost, and the follow-ups? Is there a sliding scale? These are NCCIH's suggested questions. [7]
2. Do you accept my insurance, and who files claims? [7] Medicare covers acupuncture only for chronic low back pain, and Medicare cannot pay licensed acupuncturists directly. [8] See Does Insurance or Medicare Cover Acupuncture?.