Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Massachusetts, one of the most progressive state insurers in the nation when it comes to offering non-drug alternatives, has announced it will provide acupuncture coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2020. Eligible BCBS of Mass. members will be able to access acupuncture services for up to 12 visits per calendar year, and referrals are not required. The co-pay will be the same as an outpatient office visit with a specialist.
"We want our mem-bers to have access to a broad range of safe, effective treatments for pain management," commented Andrew Dreyfus, the president and chief executive officer of BCBS of Massachusetts, in a press release from the insurer announcing the coverage change. "We know our members and employer customers are increasingly seeking alternative treatments like acupuncture, both for chronic conditions and overall wellness."
"We are constantly looking at creative, non-opioid approaches to treating pain," added Ken Duckworth, MD, BCBS of Massachusetts' medical director for behavioral health. "We know many people find acupuncture to be beneficial for a number of conditions, so we're pleased to offer it as an option to our members. This could also be another step in helping to reduce the number of inappropriate opioid prescriptions being written in Massachusetts."
One of the longest nerves in the body is known as the vagus nerve (VN). The VN is the 10th pair of cranial nerves that originates at the brain stem in the medulla oblongata. This nerve is part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is a part of the ANS. Research suggests ear acupuncture can activate the VN.
In prior issues, Neil discussed the Gallbladder Official as a whole (March 20 including points 17 and 24); points 37-41 (June 2013); points 1, 16, and 20 (May 2021); and points 2-3, 8-9, and 12-13 (April 2024). This article focuses on GB points 7, 10, 14-15, 18-19, 21, and 23.
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of pain and disability, often managed with pharmacological and surgical interventions. However, acupuncture has long been used as a non-invasive treatment for knee pain, and recent research provides new insights into its underlying mechanisms.
