Acupuncture Changes Landscape in Medicine

Acupuncture Changes Landscape in Medicine

In its review of acupuncture, the World Health Organization said 80 percent of 129 countries surveyed now recognize the use of acupuncture. Worldwide, it is generally safe, and in the U.S., relatively few complications have been reported by patients treated by licensed practitioners. WHO also indicates acupuncture as an effective treatment for more than 50 medical problems and conditions, including addiction, arthritis, depression, dysentery, fatigue, fibromyalgia, insomnia, migraine, pain, pneumonia, sciatica, stress, tooth pain, and vomiting. The greatest champion of the needling practice, China accommodates acupuncture in addition to conventional medicine at every level of its health-care services, with public and private insurance covering both. 

While many American patients might want to try or routinely use acupuncture, it is generally considered a complementary medicine and so may not be covered under every insurance plan. Under Obamacare, this may change, though for now it is not entirely clear whether acupuncture is covered. As reported by PBS, section 2706 of the law states insurance companies “shall not discriminate” against any health provider with a state-recognized license.

To many people, this wording suggests alternative medicines, when offered by licensed practitioners, will be reimbursed going forward. “Some insurance companies are giving it a wider berth,” Viselli said. “Like Blue Cross Blue Shield and Cigna. They are more actively using acupuncture as a medical treatment.”

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