Check My Insurance
The process of accepting insurance is not as simple as you might hope. We are committed to accepting insurance in our clinic if possible, though there are challenges for a tiny clinic like ours with no additional billing staff to do it successfully, and we appreciate your patience with us.
We are in network with several companies, and here (below) is a short list of how these work so far as our experience has shown. But first, a word about benefit verification.
Generally – and this has been a small issue at times – we always need to verify benefits using our systems before your appointment can be scheduled. Sometimes there is a discrepancy in a patient’s understanding of their benefits and what the benefits actually are. Sometimes there are nuances that need to be understood, such as if there is a deductible or not. In any case, as a part of our system, we do always conduct a verification of benefits, and that can be done through the secure patient portal, via phone, or texting us a picture of your card, stopping by the clinic so we can copy your card, etc. Once it’s been verified, we then have it all already in our system and you will be ready to go for your first appointment, and the billing should occur relatively seamlessly.
A second important point is in regards to Medicare. As a licensed acupuncturist, we are not able to bill Medicare directly. Here is a quote from the Medicare website.
Not all providers can give acupuncture, and Medicare can’t directly pay Licensed Acupuncturists for their services. Medicare also doesn’t cover acupuncture (including dry needling) for any condition other than chronic low back pain.
Companies
Aetna. Generally, we have little difficulty verifying benefits and submitting claims. Kevin only participates in this plan at this time.
Anthem/BCBS. Generally, we have little difficulty verifying benefits and submitting claims. Both Sarah and Kevin participate.
Cigna. Generally, we have a lot of issues verifying benefits, and a lot of difficulty submitting claims. If you are a Cigna patient, it would be very helpful if you could verify your specific acupuncture benefits (with a licensed acupuncturist) first then ideally receive a copy of that in writing, including if you have a deductible, copay, amount of visits, any details about your acupuncture benefit. Kevin only participates at this time, although if you have out of network benefits (this is rare) Sarah might be able to see you.
Harvard Pilgrim/HPI. Generally, this can be difficult to verify benefits, though once those are verified we are able to submit claims OK. The most helpful thing you can do is verify your benefits for us (in writing) in advance of contacting us, and try to obtain specific information about your specific coverage, such as do you have a deductible, what is your copay, how many visits are you allowed in a year, etc. Both Sarah and Kevin participate.
Veterans. Acupuncture is part of the standard medical benefits package for vets, though this is by referrals only from your VA provider. In other words, your doctor must pre-approve a set of visits with us first, then you can schedule with us, usually up to 12 visits in two months. Since the VA itself is a large, busy place, they allow outside providers such as ourselves to offer acupuncture at no charge to you, the vet. This is called the community care network – those in the community offering services like acupuncture. If you are not enrolled in the community care network, one resource is this: VA Community Care 877-881-7618. If you have any specific questions, please give us a call, 603-465-1236.
United. Generally, we have a lot of issues verifying benefits, and a lot of difficulty submitting claims. If you are a United patient, it would be very helpful if you could verify your specific acupuncture benefits (with a licensed acupuncturist) first then ideally receive a copy of that in writing, including if you have a deductible, copay, amount of visits, any details about your acupuncture benefit.
Other companies may have acupuncture benefits too, please contact us to inquire.