Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act Gains Two More Co-Sponsors

Acupuncture Today Staff  |  DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE

Two more members of Congress have joined as co-sponsors of HR 818, the Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act of 2005, bringing the total number of co-sponsors to 38. The newest co-sponsors are:

  • Rep. Donna M. Christensen (D-Virgin Islands)
  • Rep. Linda T. Sanchez (D-CA, 39 th district)

Ms. Sanchez is the 10 th representative from California to co-sponsor HR 818, and the eighth member of the House Government Reform Committee to co-sponsor the legislation. The House Government Reform Committee is one of three committees currently investigating the merits of the bill. All told, representatives from 17 states and two U.S. territories have signed on as co-sponsors of HR 818.

For more information on the status of the Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act, visit http://thomas.loc.gov, and enter "HR 818" in the "Search Bill Text" box.

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.