Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Acupuncture and Workers' Compensation (Calif.)
Mark Melchiorre, L.Ac., DNBAO |
Yes, acupuncture has been included in the workers' compensation system since 1987. Labor code 3209.3 (a) states:"Physician" includes physicians and surgeons holding an M.D. or D.O. degree, psychologists, acupuncturists, optometrists, dentists, podiatrists and chiropractic practitioners licensed by California state law and within the scope of their practice as defined by California law.Acupuncturists may also participate as Qualified Medical Evaluators.
Acupuncturists are licensed by the Medical Board of California's Acupuncture Committee. To sit for the Acupuncture Committee's written and practical exams, one must have successfully completed four years of education at an accredited college of Oriental Medicine. Once licensed 30 hours of continuing education are required biannually to maintain the license.Many Acupuncturists choose to take specialized training beyond the states requirements, for example the National Board of Acupuncture Orthopedics offers certification by examination after the completion of a 300 hour program. Their Diplomates, who use the designation D.N.B.A.O., are trained in the evaluation and management of orthopedics with an emphasis on the particular requirements of workers' compensation and managed care.
The fee schedule includes four codes specifically for acupuncturists:Additionally an acupuncturist may utilize codes for evaluation & management, reports and med-legal as well as other modalities within their scope of practice like massage, heat and therapeutic exercises.
- 97800 - Acupuncture by manual stimulation
- 97801 - Electro-Acupuncture
- 97802 - Cupping
- 97803 - Moxibustion
Cupping is a modality that uses a partial vacuum in a specially designed glass or plastic cup. When applied to the surface of the skin the underlying soft-tissue is drawn into the cup. The cups may be moved to provide a form of massage. Cupping is unique in its ability to provide a negative pressure to the soft-tissue.Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy where an herb, usually artemesia vulgaris, is burned and used to indirectly heat specific acupuncture points or regions of the body.
Generally a series of treatments is required. After an initial evaluation the acupuncturist should provide you with a treatment plan that includes the modalities to be used as well as the frequency and duration of treatment.
While used as a complete system of health care in some countries, here, acupuncture is most often used for relief of pain from a variety of causes. Acupuncture is useful for pain management and to restore function in soft-tissue disease and disability.Acupuncture is an effective conservative care adjunct to conventional return to work programs.
Copyright © 1995-1996 by Mark Melchiorre, L.Ac., DNBAO. All rights reserved.
Acupuncture.com |