Frequently Asked Questions
Does Acupuncture hurt and is it safe?
Acupuncture is relatively painless and free from side effects. Only fine, sterile, disposable needles are used. In fact, acupuncture needles are also much thinner than a hypodermic needle. A slight prick as the needle is inserted may be the only discomfort experienced. Tingling, warmth, heaviness at the acupuncture point or movement of energy may be felt.
Lesley specializes in both Chinese-style and Japanese-style acupuncture techniques that can be tailored to a patient's individual needs.
What is Japanese Acupuncture?
Japanese Acupuncture is a gentler form of acupuncture: needles are lightly inserted or delicately held in contact with the skin without insertion. This form of acupuncture may appeal to those who are sensitive or may even be wary of needles. Japanese Acupuncture utilizes abdominal palpation as an additional diagnostic tool and often involves a treatment of the root cause of an individual's condition as well as addressing any outward symptoms.
How should I prepare for my acupuncture treatment?
Be sure to have eaten at least 1-2 hours prior to your treatment. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Avoid heavy exercise or strenuous activity before and after your treatment.
Do you accept insurance?
We are currently a provider within United Healthcare/Optumhealth, American Specialty Health Networks* and can accept most insurance plans. We'd be happy to check with your insurance company to verify your benefits. Please email or call us at 619.438.0228 prior to your first appointment to allow us time to contact your insurance carrier.
For all others, we can bill your carrier as an "out-of-network" provider. If we find that we do not take your insurance or your plan proves to be ineligible, we offer a "time of service" discount to our patients. We can also provide you with an itemized statement that you can submit to your insurance company on your own.
*Please note that as of January 1, 2023, we no longer accept Kaiser or Sharp health plans.
What methods of payment do you accept?
Feel Well Acupuncture accepts cash, check, and most major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, and Discover). We also accept Flexible Spending/Health Savings Cards (FSA/HSA). Please note that payment is due at the time of service.
What is your cancellation policy?
At Feel Well Acupuncture, we understand that life happens, so we do our best to accommodate our patients. However, in the event that you are unable to make an appointment, we ask that your provide us with at least 24 hours of notice of cancellation in order to make that appointment time available to another patient.
We also ask that you arrive on-time for your appointment. If you find that you are running late, please call to inform us. Appointments are considered canceled and forfeited 20 minutes after the scheduled appointment time. Please note that a fee of $40 will be assessed for any late cancellations or missed appointments.