Facts about Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Is Acupuncture Considered an Experimental Treatment in the United States
Some people mistakenly believe that acupuncture is an experimental or unapproved therapy. Acupuncture is a recognized medical procedure that has become an important part of modern integrative medicine.
In 1996, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified acupuncture needles as safe medical devices when used by qualified practitioners. In addition, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) concluded in its 1997 Consensus Statement on Acupuncture that scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of acupuncture for several medical conditions.
Today, acupuncture is widely used in major hospitals and academic medical centers across the United States, including leading cancer centers and pain clinics. Millions of Americans receive acupuncture treatments each year.
Acupuncture is not experimental—it is an established and growing component of mainstream health care.
Is herbal therapy experimental medicine?
Herbal medicine is a wide spectrum of botanical remedies: some may be classified as experimental while others are proven safe and effective.
Herbal medicine is an integral part of Oriental Medicine —the backbone of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Herbal medicine is very well accepted in the West, and many Western pharmaceutical drugs (i.e. aspirin, coumadin, ephedrine, digitalis, levodopa, irinothecan, etoposide, vincristine, taxol, etc.) derive directly from herbs or were first discovered in herbs and are now made synthetically or mass produced.
Herbal remedies are often used as alternative for conditions that don't respond well to conventional treatments or as complimentary to enhance the effectiveness of Western medicine. Many herbs have been extensively researched and proven safe and beneficial, while others are being used since ancient times by millions of people, but still lack modern clinical studies. Besides using time-tested traditional herbal remedies, one should strive to use evidence-based herbal products, especially for the more serious health conditions, such as cancer, rheumatoid, lupus, Crohn's, etc.
It is always advisable to seek the guidance of a qualified health care practitioner knowledgeable in herbal medicine before using any herbal health product.
If a person is diagnosed with an incurable illness, can he or she still be treated successfully using Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Yes. In most cases, the patient has received a diagnosis from Western medicine, and when a doctor says that an illness is incurable, it usually means that the condition cannot be successfully treated with conventional medical therapies.
In some cases, better results may be achieved with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or through an integrative approach that combines therapies from both medical systems.
Why do some conventional doctors not recommend acupuncture and or herbal medicine?
In the West, doctors who understand the benefits of acupuncture and herbal medicine often refer patients to Oriental Medicine. However, it must be understood that conventional doctors themselves are a product of Western medical culture, which for the most part has not been familiar with Oriental Medicine until relatively recently.
In Western countries, conventional doctors are trained primarily in Western medicine. Unless they have traveled to China, Japan, South Korea, or other countries where Oriental Medicine is widely practiced, unfamiliarity with this healing system is common.
Lack of information is likely a major reason why some physicians do not refer patients to Oriental Medicine. In addition, misinformation or disinformation about legitimate health care practices and their benefits can be detrimental to patients’ health.
It is important to recognize that physicians, in general, are good, honest, and dedicated professionals. Some simply have not received sufficient training or information about Oriental Medicine and therefore may not consider referring patients for these therapies.
Do health insurance companies pay for acupuncture and Oriental Medicine?
Many health insurance plans with preferred provider organization (PPO) policies, as well as some workers’ compensation programs, cover medical examinations and acupuncture treatments performed by a licensed acupuncturist.
Medicare covers acupuncture treatment for chronic low back pain.
Health insurance coverage for acupuncture varies depending on state laws, the insurance company, and the type of policy. Some health insurance policies may also cover other forms of rehabilitation therapies practiced by licensed Oriental Medicine practitioners, such as massage therapy, thermotherapy, and electrical muscle stimulation.
However, insurance coverage for herbal medicine remains limited.
My health insurance plan pays for acupuncture, but the agent says that Oriental Medicine providers are excluded from reimbursement. Is that true?
Insurance coverage for acupuncture varies depending on state laws, the insurance company, and the type of individual or group policy.
In Florida, it is illegal to deny payment for acupuncture services provided by a licensed acupuncturist if the insurer would pay for the same procedure when performed by another health care provider (Florida Statute 627.6403).
Keep in mind that an insurance agent, adjuster, or representative may not always be familiar with Florida law regarding acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Therefore, it may be necessary to explain these legal provisions when discussing coverage.
If there is no insurance coverage for acupuncture, what is the usual fee to visit an acupuncturist?
The cost varies among acupuncturists, but it is usually comparable to the consultation fees of other health care providers. The fee for the initial visit is typically higher than for follow-up visits.
How can I know if a provider is qualified to perform acupuncture and administer and prescribe herbal medicine?
In the United States, the practice of health care is strictly regulated by state laws. In Florida, the practice of acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is regulated under Florida Statutes, Chapter 457.
Just as a cardiologist is the most qualified specialist to treat heart disease, a licensed acupuncturist is the most qualified professional to perform acupuncture procedures. It is advisable to verify that the provider is licensed by the Florida Board of Acupuncture (Florida Statutes, Chapter 457).
Florida law also strictly prohibits individuals from identifying themselves as acupuncturists, Doctors of Oriental Medicine (DOM or OMD), or using any other professional title denoting the practice of acupuncture and Oriental Medicine unless they are acupuncture physicians licensed under Florida Statutes, Chapter 457.
This means that if other health care providers perform acupuncture procedures, they may not legally identify themselves as acupuncturists or Doctors of Oriental Medicine unless they are properly licensed under this statute.
In terms of using Traditional Chinese Medicine: Since ancient times, people have used and continue to use herbal remedies to improve their health. However, it is important to understand that the misuse of herbal remedies can be harmful in many ways. Not only may they be ineffective, but they can also interfere with the action of pharmaceutical drugs—or even with other herbal medicines—by reducing or augmenting their effects.
On the other hand, failing to use beneficial herbal therapies when appropriate may also be detrimental to a person’s health. Herbal medicine can provide significant benefits and may even be crucial for patients with chronic illnesses such as lupus, Crohn’s disease, and cancer.
Herbal medicine can be used alone or in combination with conventional medicine. However, it is highly recommended to consult a licensed health care provider knowledgeable in herbal medicine before using any herbal product for health purposes.
When using traditional Chinese herbal therapy for a serious health condition, it is important to avoid individuals who falsely claim to be Doctors of Oriental Medicine. Make sure that the practitioner is truly a licensed health care provider in Oriental Medicine. It is also wise to ask about the reasoning and principles behind the treatment being recommended.
In Florida, acupuncture physicians are licensed primary care providers in the practice of Oriental Medicine, and their license status can be verified through the Florida Department of Health at:
https://mqa-internet.doh.state.fl.us/MQASearchServices/
If you do not live in Florida, you may wish to review the laws regulating the practice of acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in your jurisdiction and inquire about the practitioner’s education, training, and professional experience.
