FAQs
How should I prepare for an acupuncture treatment?
- Please eat at least 30 minutes prior to your appointment time and avoid large meals before and after treatment
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages or engage in sexual activity before or after the treatment.
- Wear loose comfortable clothing
- Try not to brush your tongue the morning of your appointment; its coat is very important as a diagnostic tool
- Bring a list of current medications, herbs and supplements that you take on a regular basis
- Be prepared to relax and focus on your breath during the treatment.
- Be aware of any changes you encounter physically, mentally or emotionally throughout the week following your treatment
Is Acupuncture covered by my health insurance?
Please contact your insurance company to verify coverage for acupuncture. Benefits may vary according to your policy. Kim Nguyen, L.Ac. is a participating provider of the following insurance networks:
- United Healthcare, AARP United Healthcare
- Cigna PPO, Cigna Medicare, Cigna International, Cigna Open Access
- Guardian
- One Net PPO
- Optimum Choice/MDIPA (with physician’s referral and preauthorization)
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Discounts are available for patients with Aetna, Kaiser Permanente and MailHandlers. BCBS patients without acupuncture coverage are eligible to receive a 15% discount.
If you would like your claim to be submitted out-of-network, we can submit the claim on your behalf after payment is received and your insurance may reimburse you under your policy.
For more information, please click here
What about Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)?
Invoices are printed upon request and can be done in batches after several visits or individually. Let our office know if you need the diagnosis or procedure code included in the statement.
What are your fees?
Initial Consultation (1-1.5 hours) with acupuncture treatment-$120
Returning Patient Treatments-$60
Herbal Consultation Only-$30
Students receive a discount of 25% acupuncture treatments with valid ID.
Herbal formulas are additional and vary in price. No additional consultation is necessary if acupuncture treatment is received.
Other services are included in the price but are subject to the practitioner’s discretion.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please provide at least 24 hours notice in cases of cancellation. Failure to do so will result in a fee of $30 for a missed appointment. We value your time at each visit and will be happy to assist you in rescheduling.
Is it safe to take herbs with supplements or medications?
Generally it is safe as long as you take each of them at different times of the day. It is advised to take them with water, approximately 30 minutes before or an hour after eating to increase absorption. If you have a sensitive digestive system, it is best to take herbs after eating.
How many acupuncture treatments do I need?
The frequency of treatment depends on your condition. It is usually advised, if possible, to come once a week but the duration of treatment is often difficult to predict without understanding the whole picture that each patient presents. Since our bodies react differently due to age, lifestyle and genetics, one patient may improve faster than another. It is important not to miss appointments in order to maintain continuity and to be committed to achieving your best health.
“Health is the proper relationship between microcosm, which is man, and the macrocosm, which is the universe. Disease is a disruption of this relationship.”
-Dr. Yeshe Donden, physician to the Dalai Lama