First Visit

For your first visit Sue will spend up to an hour and a half with you, taking time to review your medical history, and learn about your goals for treatment. She will explore the physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors that may be affecting your health.

A diagnosis will be formed from the Chinese medical perspective, and this will be a good time to discuss any questions you may have. Treatment may involve acupuncture, herbs, or a combination of the two.

Please be sure to eat prior to your first treatment — a light meal is best. Special clothing is not necessary but you may prefer to wear something that is loose and comfortable.

You will receive more benefit from your treatment if you avoid any activities that aggravate your condition.

Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early if you will be completing your paperwork at the clinic.

Insurance Information

Many insurance companies provide coverage for acupuncture, however, Chinese herbal medicine is not typically covered. Please contact your insurance plan directly to verify your benefits prior to your first visit, as you are responsible for any charges they do not cover.

We will bill your insurance company directly if we have a contract with that company. All others, patients are asked to pay at the time of service, and are given paperwork to submit the claim to their insurance company on their own for reimbursement.

  1. Do I have acupuncture coverage on my plan?
  2. Are there restrictions as to what type of provider can perform these services?
    (Some plans will only cover acupuncture performed by an M. D.)
  3. Do I need a referral?
  4. Is there a limit to the number of visits per year?
  5. Do you cover acupuncture for my particular condition?
    (Some plans will only cover pain, for example, and plans rarely cover acupuncture for infertility)
  6. What is my copay?
  7. Is the benefit combined with any other benefit?
  8. Is my coverage subject to an annual deductible and has this deductible been met?
  • Regence Blue Shield
  • Premera Blue Cross
  • Lifewise
  • Uniform Medical
  • Aetna
  • Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska
  • Reliant
  • Secure Horizons
  • Bridgespan
  • Providence Health Plan
  • HMA