Payment and packages
Please call our office for pricing and prepaid packages. We will be happy to explain how we might be able to bill your insurance, and if not, what costs are involved for you. Your full payment is collected at time of visit by cash, check, an HSA, or credit card.
Prepaid packages: You can save by the bundle. If you don’t have insurance coverage, our office offers prepaid packages of 6 visits. If you decide to discontinue treatment at any time, our office has a refund policy in place for the unused credit from the packages.
Cancellations and rescheduling
Cancellations and rescheduling require a 24 hours notice; otherwise payment will be collected from your credit card on file.
Do you take insurance?
Yes, we do. We are currently contracted (in-network) with Cigna and Landmark ( Only for Dr. Heidi Kao). For insurance companies that we are not contracted with (out-of-network), our office will gladly submit billing to your insurance company for you if you have acupuncture benefits. Your insurance plan is a contract between you and your insurance company and any coverage credit will be sent directly to you from your insurance provider. We can also provide you with a superbill which you can send to your insurance provider to process per your benefit plan.
How do I know if acupuncture is covered by my insurance?
First, contact your insurance provider to see what your plan covers. We are currently contracted with Cigna, United Healthcare and Landmark. For all other insurance providers, your visits would be processed out-of-network. The next step would be to send a message or call our office at 510-844-0095. They can help answer any additional questions you may have, and set you up with an appointment.
Here’s a list of the questions to ask when you call your insurance company. They will help you get a better idea of whether you have coverage and if so, what coverage you have:
1. Does my insurance plan cover out-of-network acupuncture?
2. Is there a deductible? If so, how much?
3. How much treatment will be covered by my insurance plan?
4. How many acupuncture visits am I allowed each year?
Patients with two insurances (primary and secondary insurances)
Some patients may be covered by two insurance plans. Our office can submit claims on your behalf only to your primary insurance. If you are covered by two insurance plans, and you would like to bill your secondary insurance, you will be responsible for submitting claims to your secondary insurance company. Our office can provide the necessary documents for you.
If my insurance covers acupuncture, how much am I responsible for at each visit?
For in network insurance, our office will collect the copay or coinsurance contracted by your plan at each visit. For out of network insurance companies, our office will collect the full amount of your visit, and your insurance company will reimburse you directly after the claim is processed.
What’s a superbill?
A superbill is a receipt of services that includes diagnosis and procedure codes. It enables patients themselves to submit to insurance companies for direct reimbursement within the patient’s benefit plan.
How much treatment will be covered by my insurance?
It depends on which plan you have. PPOs typically cover from 20-80%. Because plans vary so much, however, it is essential that you call your provider and verify exact amounts so that you know what to expect.
How do I submit a superbill to get reimbursement for my treatments?
The easiest way is to go to the website of your insurance provider, print out the claim form, fill it out, attach the superbill and send it to your insurance company. After each treatment, we can email you the superbill that will make this process easier.
What is a Healthcare Savings Account (HSA)?
An HSA is a tax-deductible health savings account which is set up by your employer. Usually you decide at the beginning of the year how much you think you are going to need for the year – this can include acupuncture – and then the amount comes off your paycheck. The benefit of this system is that the amount you choose to deduct from your pay reduces your taxable income. HSA accounts will cover the cost of acupuncture, and some will cover the cost of herbs.
How do I use my HSA?
You will be given a special HSA credit card that you may use to pay for your visits.
