Veterans can receive 100% acupuncture coverage for pain management
through the Veteran's Choice Program
Supporting veterans is a priority for me. From 2011-2016 I coordinated a free acupuncture clinic for veterans. I am thrilled that VA coverage is now available.
Veterans must receive an referral from their primary care provider to authorize this. Since there are not acupuncturists on staff at the VA, the referral will be matched with providers in the community. Bluestem Acupuncture is one of those providers, so you can be seen at our clinic and we will bill the VA directly.
Here are the steps of the process:
1. Contact your primary care provider at the VA and tell them you would like to use acupuncture for pain management treatment.
2. You can specify which provider you see. When you choose Bluestem Acupuncture, our office will receive the authorization and then call you directly to schedule.
3. Benefits typically include a specific number of visits and a range of service dates that begin on the date of your first visit. We can help you manage that information and take care of all of the administrative tasks.
Benefits of Acupuncture
Benefits May Include:
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Reduced pain / non-opioid treatment of pain
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Improved mental clarity, concentration and memory
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Decreased nightmares, hyper-vigilance and flashbacks
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Reduced anxiety and irritability
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More restful sleep
Bluestem Acupuncture's work with Veterans
I have witnessed the impact military service can have on health in my own family.
Early in my practice I founded and coordinated the Madison Veterans Project, a free, community-style acupuncture to veterans and their families to help reduce symptoms of stress and trauma*. In that clinic and as a volunteer at Dry Hootch I offered ear acupuncture treatments. Now that veterans have access to acupuncture benefits through the VA I am able to provide full body acupuncture and work with many veterans to help with pain management and stress. I love helping people feel better.
For me, engaging in healthcare policy as an advocate for patient safety and access to acupuncture is an ongoing commitment. I was invited to speak to the Governor's Task Force on Opioid Abuse to share evidence supporting acupuncture as an alternative to opioids for pain management. Two terms as president of the Wisconsin Society of Acupuncturists (WISCA), and continuing to serve as legislative committee chair and state representative to the American Society of Acupuncturists keep me engaged in healthcare policy. The American Society of Acupuncture is a strong supporter of national legislation to expand Veteran access to integrative health care and acupuncture. In the spring we gather in Washington, D.C. to lobby in support of ongoing and expanded acupuncture funding for veterans.
*free clinic is currently closed
