Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Acupuncture?
- Find out if your Blue Cross Blue Shield plan covers acupuncture services and learn more about what to expect from using acupuncture to treat chronic disorders.
Acupuncture is becoming an increasingly more common benefit offered by insurance providers. In recent years, the practice has grown in popularity across the United States as a safe, affordable and successful treatment of pain and musculoskeletal disorders.
Medical professionals may recommend acupuncture to treat a variety of conditions, particularly chronic back, neck or knee pain.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Acupuncture?
Yes, Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans cover acupuncture services. Because Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B) covers acupuncture for qualified beneficiaries, all Medicare Advantage plans including those offered by BCBS must also cover the same acupuncture services.
Medicare covers up to 12 acupuncture treatments in 90 days for chronic lower back pain. If you show signs of improvement with the treatment, Medicare covers an additional 8 treatments, up to a maximum of 20 covered sessions in a year.
Some plans may cover more acupuncture than Original Medicare. Whether you've been prescribed acupuncture treatment by a medical professional or are considering it of your own accord, it's important to look into Blue Cross acupuncture coverage that corresponds with your specific plan.
What Are the Risks of Acupuncture?
While the risks associated with acupuncture are fairly low, treatment can cause serious side effects if not administered properly. These side effects can vary from infection and bleeding to punctured organs and injury to the central nervous system. You should avoid acupuncture if you:
- Have a pacemaker. Electrical impulses may interfere with treatment.
- Are pregnant. In some cases, acupuncture has induced labor prematurely.
- Have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners. These may increase your chances of bruising or excessive bleeding.
What Can You Expect During Acupuncture Treatment?
During your first appointment, the practitioner will ask about your symptoms and examine parts of your body where you're experiencing pain. This is how they determine where needles will be placed during treatment. You'll be asked to lie on a padded table, possibly under a gown or sheet. Once you're comfortable, the practitioner will place anywhere between 5 to 20 needles under your skin.
As you relax, the practitioner may gently read just the needles or apply heat or mild electrical pulses to them. The needles will be removed after 10 to 20 minutes. Depending upon your symptoms, you may need more than one appointment; some conditions require as many as six to eight treatments.
To find out if acupuncture is right for your condition, talk with your doctor and read reviews of local network providers.
Does the Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program Include Acupuncture?
In short, yes. FEP Blue plans include acupuncture. Benefits and costs may vary from plan to plan.
Helpadvisor.com is owned and operated by Tranzact, the parent company of TZ Insurance Solutions LLC, which is the owner/operator of Medicareadvantage.com and other websites mentioned on HelpAdvisor and which has a financial relationship with some of the carriers listed on HelpAdvisor.
