Four Questions You Must Ask Yourself before Choosing Your Acupuncturist
Identifying the right complementary or alternative medicine practitioner nowadays is a daunting task because the category has become saturated with professionals and quacks. One of the most affected fields is acupuncture with many practitioners now parading their credentials on various traditional and social media. Of course, there is no formulaic route to the right acupuncturist, but here are four questions you need answers to before settling on the practitioner you feel suits your needs.
- What Are the Acupuncturist’s Credentials?
With so many phonies out there, you owe it to yourself to research the therapist’s academic and professional qualifications. You can review other patients’ testimonials and satisfaction surveys or seek referrals from your primary care doctor, friends, and relatives. In other words, make an effort to find out if the practitioner has the necessary training, skills, experience, and board certification to treat your condition.
2. How Far Can You Travel for the Treatment?
The course of the acupuncture procedure is characterized by several treatment sessions and so you will be required to make a number of visits to your acupuncturist’s facility before you fully recover. If you are willing and able to fly outside your state or even overseas for the services, then well and good. However, sometimes you might be tempted to give up the treatment midway if you find the traveling costs unbearable.
3. How Organized and Well-Equipped is the Facility?
What would you make of a treatment room with needles strewn about and visible bloodstains and vomit on the bedding? Repulsive, isn’t it? Once you narrow down your list of acupuncturists, there is no harm in requesting an initial consultation appointment or a tour of each of the facilities so that you can compare their equipment, safety standards, certification, and even the general layout.
4. How Much Are You Willing and Able to Pay for the Therapy?
Although it is not wise to choose an acupuncturist based on the cost alone, it is still important to know how much you will pay for the treatment. Inquire about consultation fees and the charges for treatment sessions and follow-up visits before comparing the full fee information. It is also prudent to know if the facility accepts the form(s) of payment convenient for you.
Conclusion.
In summary, after credentialing each practitioner on your list, go ahead and assess the proximity to his or her facility, its equipment, and the cost of the treatment. Do not be deceived by the media hype sponsored by acupuncturists crowing about their credentials and successes. Remember to visit websites like Healthgrades.com and ChooseHealthy.com, which are dedicated to providing information about complementary and alternative medicine practitioners.
