156 Main Street
Suite 103
Montpelier, Vermont

To schedule an appointment please call 802-223-0954 or email
info@integrativeaom.com

Download first appointment forms here
Integrative Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine                              Joshua Singer MS, L.Ac
Montpelier, Vermont                                                                          Kerry Jenni MS, L.Ac.
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Frequently Asked Questions and Links

Can Acupuncture help my condition?
In most cases, acupuncture may be an appropriate adjunct to Western medical treatment.  Acupuncture has been used to decrease side effects of drugs, assist in decreasing recovery time for surgery, or provide relief where western treatments have not.  Integrative Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine offer complimentary consultations either in person or via phone to help assess your particular health concerns. 

Conditions Recommended for Acupuncture by the World Health Organization (W.H.O.)

Respiratory Diseases

  • Acute sinusitis
  • Acute rhinitis
  • Common cold
  • Acute tonsillitis

Bronchopulmonary Diseases

  • Acute bronchitis
  • Bronchial asthma

Eye Disorders

  • Acute conjuctivitis
  • Cataract (without complications)
  • Myopia
  • Central retinitis

Disorders of the Mouth Cavity

  • Toothache
  • Pain after tooth extraction
  • Gingivitis
  • Pharyngitis

Orthopedic Disorders

  • Periarthritis humeroscapularis
  • Tennis elbow
  • Sciatica
  • Low back pain
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

Gastrointestinal Disorders

  • Spasm of the esophagus and cardia
  • Hiccups
  • Gastroptosis
  • Acute and chronic gastritis
  • Gastric hyperacidity
  • Chronic duodenal ulcer
  • Acute and chronic colitis
  • Acute bacterial dysentery
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Paralytic ileus

Neurologic Disorders

  • Headache
  • Migraine
  • Trigeminal neuralgia
  • Facial paralysis
  • Paralysis after apoplectic fit
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Paralysis caused by poliomyelitis
  • Meniere's syndrome
  • Neurogenic bladder dysfunction
  • Nocturnal enuresis
  • Intercostal neuralgia


Do I need a physician referral?
A referral is not required for acupuncture treatment.  The staff at IAOM work closely with the physicians at CVMC Montpelier Integrative Family Health and are happy to share your progress if you request it. 

Is it safe?
Acupuncturists are required by law to use disposable, one-time-use sterilized needles.  Because blood loss and bleeding are minimal with acupuncture, there has been no attempt to require acupuncturists to wear gloves. It is quite reassuring to review the medical literature and not find one documented case where an acupuncturist has transmitted a "personal" infectious disease to a patient or vice versa.

Will it hurt?
There is a sensation when the acupuncture needle is inserted, which most people do not describe as painful.  The gauge of the acupuncture needle is 3 times smaller then a hypodermic needle, used for most blood draws.  Children have been known to not even notice when an acupuncture needle is inserted.  Patients often relax during their acupuncture treatment, many even fall asleep. 

How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments required will vary depending upon your condition and your overall health.  Your practitioner can best assess this question after your first appointment.

What type of training do the practitioners have?
Licensed Acupuncturists are required to have obtained a Masters of Science degree in Acupuncture, a 3.5 year program offering over 3,000 hours of training.  Both Kerry Jenni and Joshua Singer attended acupuncture programs with requirements heavy in western sciences.  Degree programs require internships at local clinics where practitioners acquire clinical skills.  After graduation, acupuncturists complete national examinations provided by the N.C.C.A.O.M. and apply for a state license.  Vermont requires licensed acupuncturists to maintain their licenses via continuing education units each year. 

What is a treatment like?
Your first visit to IAOM will take about 1 hour.  We ask new patients to arrive early to complete an intake form asking about your health history (
download first office visit forms here).  Your practitioner will spend time with you during your first visit to ask questions about your entire health history, even events that may not seem related to your primary complaint that day.  IAOM practitioners use traditional diagnostic tools of looking at your tongue and feeling your pulses to analyze your condition according to traditional Chinese medicine.  An individualized treatment plan will be created for you, using the five branches of Chinese medicine.  Your treatment may include massage, cupping, moxibustion, nutritional advice, herbal therapeutics, or meditation techniques in addition to acupuncture.  Each treatment is unique, depending upon your condition the day of your treatment.  Follow up treatments will take about 1 hour.  Your practitioner will review your condition with you and continue your treatment plan.

What is the cost for a treatment?
Cost of treatment varies depending on services provided, most patients are charged:
First treatment   $85
Return treatments  $65
Pediatric appointments (under 14) first treatment  $65
Pediatric appointments (under 14) return treatments  $40
You will be consulted if your treatment involves additional costs before the services are provided.  

The fee is due the day of treatment.  We accept cash, check, and credit cards.

Will insurance cover my treatment costs?
Insurance plans vary.  We recommend that you call the phone number on your insurance card and ask if acupuncture is covered.  Currently, acupuncture is not covered by Medicare of Medicaid.  If acupuncture is covered in your insurance plan, please request a receipt for reimbursement.

We are in network CIGNA providers.  If your CIGNA plan covers acupuncture for the condition you are having treatment for, we will bill CIGNA and you will be charged a co-pay.  To find out if your CIGNA plan covers acupuncture, call the number on the back of your card.  Be sure to ask specifically if your condition is covered and if a referral from a medical doctor is required.  

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are eligible for acupuncture coverage.  Please request a receipt.

Workers Compensation and Personal Injury will usually cover acupuncture when an injury occurs at the work place or an auto accident.  Please bring your workers compensation claim number to your appointment. 

Full payment is required to IAOM on the day of your treatment.  We do not take responsibility regarding your reimbursement.

What should I wear to my treatment?
Special clothing is not required to receive acupuncture.  Many treatments do not require patients to remove any clothing.  Some treatments body parts are best reached by disrobing.  A cover/gown will either be provided or proper draping of sheet implemented if this is required.  If you prefer to bring a change or comfortable clothes, please do so.

What are your hours of operation?
A practitioner is available Monday- Thursday 8am-7pm and Friday 8am-5pm

How do I schedule an appointment?
New patients, to schedule an appointment, please call Integrative Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at 802-223-0954.  If you are a current patient and need to reschedule an appointment or make a new appointment you may call the front desk of M.I.F.H. at 802-223-4738.

How do I reschedule an appointment?
IAOM requests 24 hour notice to reschedule your appointment.  Patients who reschedule with less then 24 hour notice may be subject to a fee of 50% of their scheduled treatment.  Please call 802-223-4738 to reschedule.

Links

Central Vermont Medical Center (http://www.cvmc.org)

National Institutes of Health – Information about Acupuncture (http://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/index.htm)

 VTAA Vermont Acupuncture Association (www.vtaa.org)

American Association of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine – national acupuncture association (www.aaom.org)

Bastyr University   (www.bastyr.edu)

Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (http://www.ocom.edu/)

N.A.D.A. National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (www.acudetox.com)


Acupuncture Today- an online source for articles and research about acupuncture (www.acupuncturetoday.com)