FAQ

Here are several general questions and answers about receiving treatments from our clinic.

Your first visit is approximately 1.5 hours and involves an initial consultation in which an Oriental medicine diagnosis is made and we determine which treatments are right for you. After the initial consultation, we generally move right into a first treatment during the same visit. Follow-up visits consist of a much shorter intake/diagnosis period before treatment, and generally last for 1 hour.

A variety of questions regarding your specific complaint and general health will be asked. We will use Traditional Chinese diagnostic methods, including radial pulse reading and tongue diagnosis, to develop a diagnosis and treatment plan. The initial consultation includes a standard health history not unlike at a medical doctor’s office.

The number of required treatments varies depends on the nature of the disorder, as well as the overall health of the patient. Typically, 4 to 12 treatments are given in a series over a period of 2 to 6 weeks. Each individual responds to acupuncture and herbal medicine differently; we call this the “rate of response”. Many individuals will feel a change in their condition with the first few treatments. After an initial set of four treatments, we are able to provide a more precise estimation for your individual condition.

Yes, we will bill your insurance plan if they provide coverage for acupuncture. Many employer provided plans provide coverage. Call to make an appointment for a free consultation and we contact your insurance company to determine your coverage and limitations.

Questions and Answers related to Acupuncture

Most people are surprised and relieved to learn that acupuncture needles are very thin—unlike hypodermic needles which are thick and hollow. Acupuncturists can attain a high level of skill in gently placing these tiny needles in the body and often the insertion is barely perceptible. As such, patients generally feel very comfortable during the treatment, and often fall asleep during their acupuncture session.

Acupuncture is a very safe form of medical treatment. The risks of acupuncture are very low, with the most common side effects being dizziness and possibly a small bruise at the needle site. We use only sterile, single use acupuncture needles, and there is no risk of infection from a blood borne pathogen.

In the US, acupuncturists complete a 3,000 hour four-year Master degree in Chinese Medicine at CCAOM accredited schools. The NCCAOM provides licensing examinations that are approved by the Florida Acupuncture Board. In some states, MDs and Chiropractors may practice acupuncture as well with lesser training requirements.

Here are some common questions about Herbal Medicine.

The Chinese Herbal Medicine products we prescribe at Haas Acupuncture are supplied by established Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) manufactures and are made to pharmaceutical manufacturing standards. All herbal products are tested for heavy metals and other impurities, in accordance with FDA standards.

Most of the herbal products we prescribe are available in powder or pill form. Raw herbs are only prescribed upon request, or to meet specific needs of an acute condition. Proper cooking instructions will be provided for these cases.