Acupuncture is not recognized as an eligible service. Certain groups/customers choose to provide coverage.

Acupuncture is eligible in accordance with the following requirements:

1. Benefits may be provided for anesthesia by acupuncture if it is administered in accordance with all contract requirements concerning anesthesia (i.e., it must be ordered by the attending physician in connection with covered surgery, obstetrical procedures, or shock therapy and administered by a physician other than the attending physician or his assistant).
2. When acupuncture is performed as therapy either on an inpatient or outpatient basis, medical benefits apply if the service was performed by a physician or physical therapist acting within the scope of his or her license and it is determined by medical review that the therapy was effective treatment. Otherwise, benefits should be denied.
3. Claims reporting supervision or medical direction of anesthesia care should be processed according to the guidelines issued in Medical Policy Bulletin A-3.