Betsy Gordon Acupuncture

Hi sweet folks ✨

It’s that time—many of you are reviewing health insurance plans and making decisions for the coming year, so I’d like to offer a quick update and transparency.

Occasionally, insurers reduce alternative care coverage, or lower reimbursement rates in such a way that it forces providers to leave the network. This is what’s happened this year at Providence Health Plan. They’ve taken on urgent cost-saving measures which will hopefully keep them stable as an employer and an important healthcare network in our region, but in the process, they have caused an exodus from their alternative care provider network. Unfortunately, I am no longer in-network with Providence.

The reality is that many plans have untenable reimbursement rates or only offer partial coverage for acupuncture care. In some cases, however, as with Kaiser/Heraya and UnitedHealthcare, providers are able to charge a non-covered services fee to recoup costs. With this in mind, I’m happy to share I’m rejoining the Kaiser network. You can expect crystal-clear communication about any additional fees.

Some plans offer out-of-network coverage, such as Cigna and Aetna, or will simply reimburse if you submit a superbill that I provide you. If you have questions about other plans or need help confirming your benefits, please reach out.

Lastly, I know many of you are facing significant increases in healthcare costs. In the coming year—and anytime, really—if you aren’t able to come in for treatment as often as you’d like, or at all, I encourage you to reach out. I’m workshopping a new policy for financial assistance and considering how to best enable folks to make a request. Let’s see what we can do.

In solidarity and care ~

Now scheduling through November 🍂 -

Lichen sclerosus affects vulvas mostly. In addition to sometimes intense physical discomfort and distraction, this condition can be emotionally and socially challenging.

Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) dermatology provide a wealth of resources for relief and healing of lichen sclerosus, especially in its early stages.

TCM treatment is safe in combination with conventional topical steroids, and may improve outcomes.

If you have questions, schedule a free consultation online (link in bio).

Feeling itchy? Ugh!

A systematic review and meta-analysis found acupuncture successfully reduces the intensity of itch. Researchers have identified potential explanations for this positive effect:

—The kappa opioid receptor is active throughout the central nervous system. When activated by electroacupuncture, it has a distinct anti-itch effect.

—Acupuncture is associated with a reduction in putamen response, indicating acupuncture modulates the area of the brain responsible for motivation and habitual behavior.

Did you know traditional Chinese medicine recognizes several types of itch? Heat itch, wind itch, damp itch... Each should be treated differently. Fascinating.