Coverage Changes

by Dr. Randy Martin, OMD
Doctor of Chinese Medicine

Many of you have emailed me questions about your insurance coverage, or have had to make important decisions about changes to your policies and wanted to know if your new policy will cover my services.
Insurance is very complicated, as I’m sure you already know. But I do accept almost any insurance plan which will pay for acupuncture. Insurance never pays for consults for homeopathy, herbs or nutrition. So that will always be extra.
If you select an HMO, then your coverage will be more limited, although I am on many HMO plans also. Kaiser, an HMO plan, also will also pay for acupuncture, although you need a referral first from your doctor to see me, and then the number of treatments are closely monitored.
United, Blue Cross, Anthem, Blue Shield, CIGNA, and Aetna, are just some of the PPO’s which do cover acupuncture and which I can take.
The entire industry will change on January 2014, so any decision you make now, will only be temporary anyhow.
It’s always hard to decide between the higher cost and flexibility of the PPO vs. the cost savings and lack of flexibility of the HMO. And there is no simple answer or solution to this.
One good piece of news is that if you have acupuncture coverage, and also want an initial consultation for homeopathy, herbs or nutrition, this extra consultation fee is only one time, and then we can continue just with acpuncture. Or you can select to have shorter consultations at periodic intervals, so that you won’t have a lot out of pocket.
I also strongly suggest everyone take the right Chinese herbs, be on a homeopathic remedy, and be eating the right diet for thier unique body type. And of course stress reduction and exercise is vital. You may want to take my meditation classes or acupressure classes. Both will help to alleviate stress.
If you have insurance issues or questions, please feel free to forward them to me and I’ll try my best to answer them.
On a personal note, I’m trying to get out in nature as much as possible to keep revitalized and de-stressed. Below is a picture of me in my garden. If you can walk barefoot on grass, that is also very grounding, and if you can hike or be sure to exercise in a natural area as often as possible, it pays off in big dividends.
I was reminded today by a patient how relaxing acupuncture really is. If you have insurance, you really should come in often. Balancing the acupuncture meridians has a tonifying effect and a tremendous positive effect on pain management, digestion, hormones and sleep. If you don’t have insurance, you should try to come in as often as you can afford it. The results definitely pay off. Prevention is the key!
But if you already have some health issues, try not to wait too long. The sooner we can begin to treat them naturally, the easier and quicker it will be to resolve the problems.
I send you my blessings and best wishes for a lovely end of summer and fall season.
*Acupuncture*
*Homeopathy*
*Chinese Herbal Medicine*
*Nutritional Counseling and Diet*
Dr Randy Martin, OMD, LAc, PhD, CCH
Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Certified Classical Homeopath

Health Insurance Updates and Changes
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