Acupuncture
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) only covers acupuncture (including dry needling) for chronic low back pain defined as:
- Lasting 12 weeks or longer
- Having no known cause (for example, it's not related to cancer that has spread, or an inflammation or infectious disease)
- Pain that isn't associated with surgery or pregnancy
Medicare covers up to 12 acupuncture treatments in 90 days for chronic low back pain. If you show improvement, Medicare covers an additional 8 sessions (for a maximum of 20 acupuncture treatments in a 12-month period). If you aren't showing improvement, Medicare won't cover your additional treatments and you’ll pay 100% of the costs if you continue getting them.
Your costs in Original Medicare
After you meet the Part B deductible , you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.
What it is
Acupuncture is a technique where providers stimulate specific points on the body, most often by inserting thin needles through the skin.
Things to know
Not all providers can give acupuncture, and Medicare can't pay licensed acupuncturists directly for their services. You must get acupuncture from a doctor or another health care provider (like a nurse practitioner or physician assistant) who has both a:
- Masters or doctoral level degree in acupuncture or Oriental Medicine from a school accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice acupuncture in the state where you're getting care