Medicare Acupuncture Bill Update

Acupuncture Today Staff  |  DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE

In the November 2004 issue, we reported that HR 1477, the Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act, had amassed a total of 54 co-sponsors. Since that article was published, an additional nine co-sponsors have signed on to support the legislation.

The new co-sponsors (as of October 1, 2004) are:

  • Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR, 3rd District)
  • Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA, 14th District)
  • Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY, 2nd District)
  • Rep. Darrell E. Issa (R-CA, 49th District)
  • Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY, 14th District)
  • Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY, 4th District)
  • Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald (D-CA, 37th District)
  • Rep. Major R. Owens (D-NY, 11th District)
  • Rep. Frank R. Wolf (R-VA, 10th District)

Make sure to visit AcupunctureToday.com for additional updates on the status of HR 1477.

print pdf
Trending
Billing / Fees / Insurance
The State of 21st Century Acupuncture in the U.S. (Pt. 3)
The State of 21st Century Acupuncture in the U.S.

Whether you accept it, avoid it or live somewhere in between, insurance coverage has become a defining issue for our profession. Patients increasingly expect to use their benefits, practitioners want to be compensated fairly for their time and expertise, and the system itself remains – at best – fragmented. The encouraging news is that coverage has expanded in meaningful ways. The challenging news is that reimbursement, across the board, remains inadequate.

Clasina (Sina) Leslie Smith, MS, MA, LAc, MD, Dipl. Ac., FAAMA
Chinese & Asian Medicine
Vesicle Formation After Cupping: Clinical Insights & Management Considerations
Vesicle Formation After Cupping: Clinical Insights & Management Considerations

While the formation of erythema and ecchymosis is an anticipated skin response to cupping therapy, the appearance of post-treatment vesicles remains less discussed in clinical literature. This article presents a case study of vesicle formation following cupping therapy, explores underlying pathophysiology, and offers management guidelines to support practitioners in addressing this phenomenon safely and effectively.

Roman Slavinskiy, LAc
Acupuncture Techniques
Understanding Facial Spasms and Tics
Understanding Facial Spasms and Tics

Facial movements are essential for communication, expression and function. But when these movements become involuntary, they can lead to conditions that are not only physically uncomfortable, but also socially and emotionally distressing. Today, we’re taking a closer look at three common facial motor disorders – blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm and facial tics – and how both Western medicine and TCM view and treat them.

Michelle Gellis, AP, Dipl. Ac.