Under new rules, Medicare now covers some acupuncture treatments

[Northeast Agent]

In Pain? Here's How Acupuncture Can Help.

In January, 2020, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced its decision to cover up to 12 acupuncture sessions in 90 days for Medicare patients with chronic lower back pain or LBP. Eight additional sessions can be added if patients show improvement.

"This is the very first time in the U.S. that acupuncture has been covered by Medicare," says David W. Miller, dual-licensed as an M.D. and acupuncturist, and founding chair of the American Society of Acupuncturists. "It's really exciting, and provides even more validity to the practice of acupuncture."

Why did Medicare decide to cover acupuncture for lower back pain specifically? "Because tons of studies show the effectiveness of acupuncture for LBP," says Mori West, insurance committee chair of the American Society of Acupuncturists and CEO of ACUCLAIMS, an acupuncture and chiropractic billing service. "It's also the top diagnosis I see on the claims I process."

 

[yorkriver1]

reviving this older post. For those who have been around for some years, what generally is the process for Medicare to begin coverage for treatments that are not currently covered.
My MedSupp client is getting a prescription from their doctor for acupuncture for a sinus issue that doesn't seem to respond to regular treatments. Now I am thinking they may want to pursue more research and specialists, as it could be neurological or structural, and there is coverage for those issues.

 

[kgmom219]

reviving this older post. For those who have been around for some years, what generally is the process for Medicare to begin coverage for treatments that are not currently covered.
My MedSupp client is getting a prescription from their doctor for acupuncture for a sinus issue that doesn't seem to respond to regular treatments. Now I am thinking they may want to pursue more research and specialists, as it could be neurological or structural, and there is coverage for those issues.

Nah. If they want an acupuncturist, tell them to find one that accepts Medicare Assignment. They (the needler or whatever they are called) knows how to file the claims and the rules, so they can get paid.

Its just like podiatrist or chiro. If you can find one that takes Medicare, you will be fine. If you go outside the box, you're screwed. Don't expect the claims to get paid.

Where is the client located?

(And who the heck gets needles before seeing a neurologist for sinus issues???)