Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a branch of Chinese Medicine. 

An Acupuncturist inserts thin needles into various points in your body to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. The objective is to stimulate nerves causing the brain to release hormones and other chemicals that will help you heal more quickly.

Other techniques used by Acupuncturists include:

• lasering
• acupressure (applying pressure to certain points on the body)
• cupping
• moxibustion (burning herbs and holding them over the acupuncture point).

Acupuncturists treat a range of conditions, including:

• addiction
• back pain
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• dental pain
• digestive problems
• fibromyalgia
• high blood pressure
• gynaecological problems
• headaches and migraines
• myofascial pain
• osteoarthritis.

Is Acupuncture a regulated profession in Australia?

Yes. In Australia, under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme, the Australian Health Practitioner Agency (Ahpra) and the Chinese Medicine Board register and regulate Acupuncturists.

Does private health insurance cover Acupuncture?

If your private health insurer covers Acupuncture, it falls under Extras Cover.

Ask your insurer whether it covers Acupuncture. 

If so, check whether Acupuncture is subject to:

• a waiting period before you can make a claim
• per claim limits
• annual limits.

If I have Extras Cover that includes Acupuncture, will I be covered if I see any Acupuncturist?

No. To be covered, your Acupuncturist must be a member of an Australian peak body or professional organisation. They also need permission to be registered under the state and territory laws where they operate.

In addition, your health insurer can decide whether or not to cover treatments from a particular provider.

Some insurers may require you to see an Acupuncturist who is one of their recognised providers only.

Before seeking treatment, always check with your health insurer that you are covered..

Does Medicare cover Acupuncture?

In Australia, Medicare covers acupuncture treatments only when:

• Your doctor is a qualified Acupuncturist.
• They perform the procedure during a private consultation (not in a hospital).
• The consultation lasts less than 20 minutes.

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