Pelvic pain has a prevalence of >25% in women and >15% in men, and up to 50% of cases are undiagnosed, demonstrating that there is a definite need for pelvic care awareness among health care practitioners. As holistic practitioners, acupuncturists offer a safe space for clients and are often the practitioners clients seek out when nothing else has worked. Thus, acupuncturists are presented with an opportunity to serve an underserved population.
Ohio Makes Medicaid History for AOM
October 1, 2017 will mark a significant day in history for the acupuncture profession, as this will be the first day Ohio Medicaid recipients will have access to covered acupuncture benefits - the first state in the Midwest to do so. While only two conditions are currently included (back pain and migraines) there is hope to increase this number in the future.
A thank you to the Ohio Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (OAAOM), the driving force behind this inclusion, is to be noted. Coverage of acupuncture will be available with or without electronic stimulations, and treatments will require a referral of a conventional practitioner who is also a Medicaid practitioner.
Other than licensed acupuncturists, the other practitioners include medical physicians, chiropractors and other "recognized acupuncture providers" who have specialty training in acupuncture, including medical doctor, chiropractors and nurses.
For more information please visit the Ohio Department of Medicaid at http://medicaid.ohio.gov/RESOURCES/LegalandContracts/Rules.aspx.