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.
Erin Hartnett, DAOM, LAc
Dr. Erin Hartnett graduated from Five Branches University (Master in Traditional Chinese Medicine) and the University of East West Medicine (Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine). For her doctoral thesis, she wrote an 89-page paper on cellulite reduction therapy using traditional Chinese medicine after creating, funding and executing the treatment outcome study  (TOS) independently. She practices in Los Gatos, Calif., specializing in cosmetic acupuncture with an emphasis on skin care, nutrition and medical-grade formulas.