Best Networks for Acupuncturists to Join

July 16, 2009

Was wondering if anyone has any great experiences with Acupuncture networks.

I will list the networks I know of: (Please add any networks to this list that

are missing, so we can ultimately have an up-to-date & comprehensive list for

providers):

1) ASH: My understanding is that compensation is on average $ 45 per treatment,

consisting of a $ 15 co-pay from patient, and $ 25 from ASH. The 1st 4-5

sessions are covered without any pre-approval paper-work. After that, the L.Ac.

must work with a clinician to gain further approval for more visits. For

example, say the patient has a benefit of 24 Acupuncture visits. This often will

be a combination of Chiro & Acup. So whatever is left is their max benefit. Say

they have used 6 visit with Chiro care. So they could have a max of 18 Acu

visits. The 1st 4 are minimal paperwork. The 5-18 will require paperwork to get

further approval. If you use their electronic billing system, they claim you get

paid in 10 days.

2) ACUCARE: $ 300 per yr charge. Includes Cigna PPO / HMO, Clarispointe, Focus,

Multiplan, Interplan, Beechstreet, Corvel. Cigna seems to be the big network.

Although the others can also be helpful. You can choose which ones you wish to

be included in. The pre-negotiated rate for Cigna is approx $ 100 - $ 110 per

visit, depending on electro or non-electro treatments.

3) MEDICAL: As of July 1, 2009, Acupuncture coverage (along with a host of other

modalities including speech, podiatry) have been terminated due to California's

fiscal crisis. This is a big dissappointment, as this was available to L.Ac.'s.

These are the 2 (no more Medical) remaining Networks that I am aware of. New

ones are popping up all the time, so please add to this list, so we can all stay

on top of it.

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