How do programs pay for acupuncture?

Resources for Acupuncture in Chemical Dependency Treatment and Recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

What kinds of agencies or services should think about adding an acupuncture component?

Does acupuncture really work?

Are there any drugs that it doesn't work for?

Does it help with other addictions?

How much does it cost?

How do programs pay for it?

Is acupuncture safe? What are the liability issues? Is there increased risk of spreading infectious disease?

Does the treatment hurt?

How much time does the treatment take?

Do clients need to make an appointment for acupuncture?

What do clients do while they're getting needled?

How do programs pay for acupuncture?

If any part of the program's funding is determined by client utilization of services, acupuncture may be viewed as a revenue-enhancing addition, because outcomes studies have shown that the presence of an acupuncture component increases program attraction, engagement, and retention.

There are other methods of paying for the acupuncture component:

Client fees: Many clinics charge for all services on a sliding scale, in which case the average cost of the acupuncture may be factored in. Programs might also consider opening the acupuncture clinic to the community on a sliding fee basis, or they may elect to have a separate smoking cessation or other target program at a higher fee, and clients of that program may pay fees at a level that underwrites the basic costs of the acupuncture in which other program clients participate. Non-profit or public programs for whom cost reporting is required should be wary of parity issues (e.g. five clients paying $20 each for the acupuncture would cover the costs for 20 other non-paying clients). Agencies that operate multiple programs should note that the same acupuncture opportunity may be designed to serve clients in more than one program.

State or Federal block grant funds: Local or state funding authorities and their advisory groups can be educated that authorizing acupuncture as a legitimate program cost can reduce relapse and increase client retention rates.

Grants: Private grant awards from such sources as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and United Way, and public sources including HUD, NIJ, CDC, CSAT, and some state departments of corrections have funded acupuncture as a component of a larger treatment project. Local program officials can be encouraged to include acupuncture in grant development initiatives.

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