FAQ
Although you may have many additional questions, these are some of the common inquiries that patients have had.
Common Acupuncture Inquiries
Although these are a few of the most common questions we advise you to feel free in asking any questions that are needed for your appointment. You will also receive a welcome letter prior to your first visit which may also answer preparation questions.
Does it hurt?
Everyone's pain threshold is different. For some people there is little to no sensation from acupuncture needles being inserted. For others they fell a pinch, poke, dull ache, or sometimes a little pain. The pain may be due to many factors including cold weather or skin. This subsides very quickly and patients usually feel like the needles are no longer present. We assure you, unless we have stated that the needles are removed, do no move as a needle in the muscle and sporadic movement may be uncomfortable.
What might I feel?
During the treatment you may feel drowsy, heavy, a sensation of cold and hot, muscle pulsing, slight cramping followed by muscles releasing, clear thought, as well as the pain disappearing. Although nobody can predict what feeling you may have we guarantee that we will be readily available to you in order to help you enjoy your treatment.
What will I feel like afterwards?
For a great majority of patients you will feel less tension, pain, or complications that were present prior to treatment. That said, some people may feel sleepy while others are very alert and energetic. Our clinic advises to not consume alcohol or caffeine post care as they may have the severe opposite effects. We also provide stretches and exercises to perform at a timed regimen to prevent your muscles from returning to spasm, or nerves from becoming overly excited and triggering pain.
Will this leave a bruise?
Bruising can happen with acupuncture though they may be very small and can disappear quickly. This is not very common but is possible. We try to reduce or remove bruising with pressure and liniments as quickly as possible. With cupping therapy there may be some discolored marks that disappear within hours to a week depending on circulation and muscle activities. Everyone has a different healing time. Note: Bruising is very rare.
If I want to use my insurance after being a cash patient can
We will review your benefits for your insurance, co-pay and deductible prior to treating you with insurance care. Remember that some items of care are not covered by some insurances which you will be required to pay for at the time of service. We never prevent you from using your insurance.
What if my insurance denies payment
If your insurance denies a payment you will be responsible to pay the amount owed. You may use your regular debit card, credit card, or cash. You can also use your HSA or FSA cards for payment as well. If you pay with any of the methods above we will provide you a superbill which can be used for your taxes, HSA/FSA, or to submit to your insurance company to reimburse you after they denied payment for us (yes, that is possible).
Can I buy a package?
We do not support the use of packages as your care may take fewer visits than a package permits. Our goal is to keep our prices low and give you the highest quality specialized service with the fewest visits. Other specialist that performs only part of what Dr. Pontecorvo provides have an average follow up price of $200 without the extra services provided.