Frequently asked questions.

Core Meridian Acupuncture — Insurance, Payments & Appointments FAQ

Insurance & Payments

Q: Do you accept insurance?

Yes! Core Meridian Acupuncture accepts most PPO plans and select HMO plans that include acupuncture benefits.

Because coverage varies widely, we verify benefits on a case-by-case basis.

If you’d like to know if your plan covers our services, please send your insurance details through our Contact Us form or text us your full name, date of birth, and insurance ID number—we’ll check your eligibility for you.

If your plan is out-of-network or cannot be billed directly, we can provide a superbill (an itemized invoice) you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement depending on your plan’s out-of-network benefits.

Q: How do you handle insurance plans managed by American Specialty Health (ASH)?

Most ASH-managed insurance plans cover only basic acupuncture (about 15 minutes of needle insertion).
At Core Meridian, that limited model does not meet our standard of care.

All ASH patients receive our minimum 30-minute treatment sessions, designed to allow the body to enter the parasympathetic “rest-and-repair” state required for effective healing.

To cover the portion of the visit not reimbursed by insurance, a Comprehensive Care Fee of $27 per visit applies.
This fee includes the additional 15 minutes of care, complimentary heat therapy, and other non-covered therapeutic supports.

If cost is a concern, we offer a sliding-scale option—please let us know before beginning your treatment plan so we can adjust accordingly.

Q: What is included in my treatment?

At Core Meridian Acupuncture, every treatment is personalized to your unique needs.
During your initial consultation, your practitioner will discuss all available therapies — including acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, red light (infrared) therapy, electrical stimulation (E-stim), and other restorative techniques.

Together, we’ll decide which combination of therapies is best suited for your current presentation of symptoms, health goals, and overall treatment plan.

Each visit includes a minimum of 30 minutes of focused, results-driven care with complimentary heat therapy to enhance circulation, relax muscles, and amplify healing.

Optional extended sessions or advanced therapies may be recommended when appropriate to support optimal recovery and long-term results.

Q: How do I pay for services?

We accept cash, debit/credit cards, and HSA/FSA cards.
Payment for any non-covered services—including the Comprehensive Care Fee—is due at the time of service.
Multi-session packages are also available for added convenience and savings.

Q: Can I use my HSA or FSA card?

Yes! Acupuncture is generally an approved medical expense under most Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
We provide superbills with the proper procedure and diagnosis codes for easy reimbursement.

Appointments, Consultations & Cancellations

Q: Do I need an initial consultation before treatment?

Yes. Every new patient must complete a comprehensive initial consultation—either in-office or via telehealth—before any acupuncture treatment can begin.
During this visit, we:

Review your health history and current concerns
Discuss your goals and create a personalized treatment plan
Explain visit frequency, recommended therapies, and any applicable fees

This ensures your care is safe, medically appropriate, transparent and tailored to your individual needs.

Q: What is your cancellation policy?

We respect your time and ours. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice.
Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice or missed appointments may be subject to a $50 late-cancellation fee.

Q: What is your refund policy for prepaid packages?

If no sessions have been used, you may request a full refund.
If some sessions have been used, we will deduct those at the regular single-session rate and refund the remaining balance.

Example: If you purchase a 5-session package and use 2 visits, those two will be charged at the regular rate and the rest refunded.

Your First Visit & Treatment Experience

Q: What should I expect at my first visit?

Your first appointment includes:

A comprehensive consultation and possible same-day initial treatment
Postural and movement assessment
Review of your medical history, lifestyle, and wellness goals
A personalized care plan based on your unique presentation

Most patients begin noticing improvements in pain, stress, or energy within just a few sessions.

Q: How often will I need treatment?

Frequency varies by condition and goals.

Most patients begin with 1–2 visits per week for 3–4 weeks, then taper as symptoms improve.

Chronic or long-term conditions may need a longer course, while maintenance care helps preserve results once stability is achieved.

Q: How is Core Meridian different from other acupuncture clinics?

We focus on whole-person care and longer, more restorative sessions, not quick or standardized treatments.
Our approach includes:

Comprehensive consultation and diagnosis before treatment
Extended acupuncture sessions that meet evidence-based time requirements
Complimentary heat therapy included in every session
Integrative options such as cupping, gua sha, and infrared therapy when appropriate
Trauma-informed, compassionate care in a calm, restorative setting

Still Have Questions?

We’re happy to help verify your insurance and explain how your benefits apply.

Email: info@coremeridian.health
Text: 949-302-0744
Visit: www.coremeridian.health