Reap The Benefits Of Acupuncture Covered By NYSHIP

By Douglas Sanders


The lifestyle of New York City can be exhilarating and stressful. You need to be a good multi-tasker, able to spend a significant amount of time working and find some time to relax. Stress can take a toll on your body over time, contributing to pain symptoms like migraines, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and arthritis. Getting regular treatment is essential and holistic therapies such as acupuncture can assist you to deal with stress and pain.

Acupuncture plays a role in releasing a natural hormone referred to as endorphin. This hormone releases a natural kind of pain reliever that fights off stress and pain. In addition, acupuncture also offers other benefits like helping with issues such as sciatica, fertility support, insomnia, reproductive health and lower back pain. It also promotes digestive function, which helps in weight loss. You may fail to try this kind of treatment because it is expensive. Nevertheless, you should not worry because it is covered by NYSHIP. Acupuncture covered by NYSHIP relieves you from spending much money paying for this treatment.

When you have insurance for acupuncture, receiving continuing care can be easier. Under NYSHIP, two different health insurance plans are available to you. One of them is the EMPIRE Plan, and the other is NYSHIP-approved HMOs (health maintenance organizations) in your area. Selecting the option that meets your needs and those of your family requires careful consideration.

The Empire Plan is unique and is tailored for public workers in New York State. It has numerous managed-care features, but as an enrollee, you do not have to select a primary care provider, and you do not need referrals to consult a specialist. Nonetheless, certain services such as getting admitted to a skilled nursing facility or hospital require preapproval.

HMOs are managed-care systems in a particular geographic area that offer comprehensive health coverage via a network of providers. The coverage for services a patient receives outside the specialized geographic area is limited. HMO enrollees who use the services of hospitals or doctors outside the HMOs networks are usually required to pay the full cost of the services except when the HMO allows them to do so or if is an emergency. Enrollees usually select a primary care physician from the network of the HMOs for continuing medical care and for referrals to hospitals and specialists when necessary.

Whether you sign up for the NYSHIP HMO or the EMPIRE Plan, the state pays for your health insurance coverage. After the state pays its contribution, you need to pay the remainder of your premiums. You can make payments through biweekly deductions from your paychecks.

To get the best treatment, choose a licensed and certified acupuncturist who can accept your insurance plan. You can take several steps to find such a professional. One of them is getting a recommendation from your family physician or trusted relatives and friends.

Researching about the credentials and training of an acupuncturist is also vital. You can select a naturopathic doctor who specializes in acupuncture therapy. You should schedule a one-on-one interview with the physician and inquire about your treatment. Ask the professional about the benefits you are likely to gain and the cost. Certified acupuncturists examine their patients and come up with the most ideal therapy regimen for their medical issues.




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