Treat the root cause, not just symptom!!

All your pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, emotion, sleep quality indicate fundamental physical, physiological imbalance. At your first visit, a full health history will be taken. Diagnosis will begin with questions regarding your health and lifestyle and any other information that is pertinent. Dr. Arken will then check your pulses and look at your tongue and also conduct a physical exam. All this information is used to form a diagnosis based on the theories and philosophies of Chinese medicine. While you are being treated, you generally either feel a sense of deep relaxation or be immensely energized. When the needle is inserted, you may feel numbness or tingling. Some say that they feel energy (also known as Qi氣) spread from the point of insertion. All of these are signs that the treatment is working.

Absolutely. Acupuncture acts like a re-set button for the entire body. Often, patients who come in for one issue will notice an improvement in something that seems unrelated. That’s because Chinese medicine is a holistic system and everything is connected . Acupuncture also seems to have the "side effects" of reducing stress and promoting better sleep and more energy.

•  Treatments take place in a peaceful, relaxing healing space. You will be treated in a fully sanitized comfortable treatment table or reclining chair covered by one time use paper sheet and spaced at least six feet apart. 

• Wear loose and comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points. It’s not necessary to undress, just roll up your pants to the knee and sleeves to the elbow. 

• Keep your routine diet. Do not come after and especially large meal, nor should you come in hungry.

• Do not overexert yourself after the treatment or use stimulant or alcohol up to 8 hours after the treatment.

• Try to keep relaxed after your treatment. Do not stress yourself. Plenty of rest and a warm bath or shower is helpful.

• Make note of any changes that occur in your body between visits. Alleviation of pain or movement of pain to another area should be noted. Any information will assist Dr. Arken.

• The tongue tells many things about your body. The color, shape and coating can reflect your general health as well as the health of your organs and meridians. 

• There are 12 main spots on your wrist and ankle. Each spot corresponds to an organ function an meridian system. There are 27 different pulse qualities that Dr. Arken will be looking for. These 27 qualities will reflect your balance of your body, organ's Qi and any imbalances will appear in your pulse.

One of the great things about acupuncture is that you can combine acupuncture with other therapies. Very few things make it less effective, and it doesn't interfere with anything else. It's one of the reasons that so many doctors refer their patients to acupuncture.

Yes we do. All needles are sealed packed one time use. It is a requirement in the state of California to use sterile needles and each one is disposed of in a bio-hazard container as soon as it is removed.

Treatment result depend on individual case,  people feel great relief from one treatment while others find a more gradual improvement with acupuncture. The number and frequency of treatments will be discussed with you at your initial visit. In general, acute conditions tend to be quicker to respond while chronic conditions can take longer.    

For insurance companies that we are not contracted with (out-of-network), our office will gladly submit billing to your insurance company for you if you have acupuncture benefits. Your insurance plan is a contract between you and your insurance company and any coverage credit will be sent directly to you from your insurance provider. We can also provide you with a superbill which you can send to your insurance provider to process per your benefit plan.

How do I know if acupuncture is covered by my insurance?

First, contact your insurance provider to see what your plan covers. We are currently contracted with United Healthcare and American Specialty Health. For all other insurance providers, your visits would be processed out-of-network. The next step would be to send a message or call our office at (858)588-7858. We can help answer any additional questions you may have, and set you up with an appointment. If you have questions about your policy and what it covers, please call the customer service number on your insurance card. Acupuncture (97810, 97811 in insurance codes) is often considered a specialty and you can use those codes when calling about your coverage.

Here’s a list of the questions to ask when you call your insurance company. They will help you get a better idea of whether you have coverage and if so, what coverage you have:

1. Does my insurance plan cover out-of-network acupuncture?

2. Is there a deductible? If so, how much?

3. How much treatment will be covered by my insurance plan?

4. How many acupuncture visits am I allowed each year?

If my insurance covers acupuncture, how much am I responsible for at each visit? 

For in network insurance, our office will collect the copay or coinsurance contracted by your plan at each visit. For out of network insurance companies, our office will collect the full amount of your visit, and your insurance company will reimburse you directly after the claim is processed. 

What’s a superbill?

A superbill is a receipt of services that includes diagnosis and procedure codes. It enables patients themselves to submit to insurance companies for direct reimbursement within the patient’s benefit plan.

How much treatment will be covered by my insurance?

It depends on which plan you have. PPOs typically cover from 20-80%. Because plans vary so much, however, it is essential that you call your provider and verify exact amounts so that you know what to expect.

How do I submit a superbill to get reimbursement for my treatments?

The easiest way is to go to the website of your insurance provider, print out the claim form, fill it out, attach the superbill and send it to your insurance company. After each treatment, we can email you the superbill that will make this process easier.

What is a Healthcare Savings Account (HSA)?

An HSA is a tax-deductible health savings account which is set up by your employer. Usually you decide at the beginning of the year how much you think you are going to need for the year – this can include acupuncture – and then the amount comes off your paycheck. The benefit of this system is that the amount you choose to deduct from your pay reduces your taxable income. HSA accounts will cover the cost of acupuncture, and some will cover the cost of herbs.

How do I use my HSA?

You will be given a special HSA credit card that you may use to pay for your visits. Acupuncture is considered a qualified health care expense for Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). Acupuncture is also a tax deductible expense (IRS Pub 502), so make sure to keep track of what you are spending or contact our office at the end of the year and request a statement.