Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and Health Coaching! Specializing in Pain Management, Stress, Anxiety, Digestion issues and Chronic illness. We take Insurance!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you take insurance?

Better Life Acupuncture is contracted with these plans in New Hampshire: Aetna, Harvard Pilgrim, Health Plans Inc., Anthem of New Hampshire and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Better Life Acupuncture is contracted with these plans in Massachusetts: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim, Aetna, United Healthcare, Allways Health Providers (Mass General Brigham Health Plan), and Optum (VA only).

Please note, that not all insurance plans come with acupuncture benefits, and you may have a deductible to meet. Please contact your health insurance provider BEFORE your first visit, and call us BEFORE your first visit. Thank you.

You may also try verifying coverage with this link.
VERIFY COVERAGE

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments varies from person to person. Treatment frequency depends on your current state of health, the severity and duration of your problem. Chronic conditions usually take longer to treat than acute ones. Treatment recommendations could be one or two times a week. Monthly or bi-weekly treatments are usually recommended for health maintenance or seasonal boosts.

How safe is acupuncture? Are the needles sterile?

Acupuncture is extremely safe. Treatments can leave you feeling energized or deeply relaxed with a deep sense of well-being. All needles used are sterile, used once, and then discarded in a biohazard medical waste container, so there is little danger of infection.

Do the needles hurt?

The sensation patients feel varies. Some people may feel a little pinch as the needles are inserted and some may feel nothing at all. The needles are very thin, just a little larger than a dog or cat’s whisker. Sometimes you may feel a vague numbness, heaviness, tingling or dull ache. Sometimes people experience a sensation of energy spreading and moving around the needle or their body. This is called the “Qi sensation”. All these sensations are good and a sign that the treatment is working.

What training and licensing do acupuncturists have?

All acupuncturists in Massachusetts must be licensed from the Board of Registration of Medicine. In order to be licensed, all must graduate from an accredited school, pass National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) board exams after completing over  1900 hours of coursework, 950 hours of clinical hours, and achieve "Clean Needle Technique" certification. Additionally, continuing education hours must be met to renew state acupuncture licensure every two years and four years for NCCAOM status. 

We take insurance!  Call your health plan to find out if you have coverage.