Porblems Faced In Integrating Acupuncture Into Today's Health Care System

The integration of acupuncture into today's health care system will be made possible by a better understanding among providers of the language and practices of both the Eastern and Western health care communities. Acupuncture focuses on a holistic, energy-based model to the patients rather than a disease-oriented diagnostic and treatment approach.

An important factor for the integration of acupuncture into the modern health care system is the preparing and credentialing of acupuncturists by the appropriate local organizations. This is necessary to allow the public and other health professionals to recognize skilled acupuncture practitioners. The acupuncture educational bodies have made impressive progress in this area and is promoted to pursue this path. Educational standards have been established for training of physician and non-physician acupuncturists. Many acupuncture educational programs are accredited by an organization that is acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education. A national credential agency exists for non-physician acupuncture practitioners and offers exams for qualification of acupuncture practice. A nation-wide recognized examination for physician acupuncturists has been established.

A majority of States offer licensure or registration for acupuncture practice. Since some acupuncture practitioners have inadequate English ability, credentialing and licensing exams should be offered in languages other than English where needed. There is difference in the titles conferred in these processes, and the prerequisites to obtain licensure vary widely. The range of practice allowed under these State requirements also varies. Although States have the privileges to set standards for licensing professions, consistency in these fields will offer greater confidence in the qualifications of acupuncture practitioners. For example, not all States recognize the same credentialing exam, therefore making reciprocity complicated.

The event of adverse effect in the practice of acupuncture has been reported to be extremely low. However, these events have occurred on rare occasions, some of which are life-threatening (e.g., pneumothorax). As a result, appropriate safeguards for the protection of public interest need to be in place. Patients should be fully informed of their treatment options, expected prognosis, relative risk, and safety practices to minimize these risks before they receive acupuncture. This information have to be offered in a manner that is linguistically and culturally appropriate to the patients. Use of acupuncture needles should always be consistent with FDA regulations, including use of sterile, single-use needles. It is noted that these practices are already being done by many acupuncture practitioners; however, these practices should be standardized.

It has been reported that more than one million Americans currently accept acupuncture procedure every year. Continued access to well trained acupuncture practitioners for appropriate conditions need to be ensured. Because numerous individuals seek health care treatment from both acupuncturists and physicians, communication between these professionals should be strengthened and enhanced. If a patient is under the care of an acupuncturist and a physician, both practitioners should be informed. Both patients and providers should be responsible for facilitating this communication.

There is evidence that some consumers have limited access to acupuncture services because of inability to pay. Insurance companies can decrease financial hurdles to access depending on their willingness to provide coverage for appropriate acupuncture practices. More and more insurance companies are either considering this possibility or now provide coverage for acupuncture practices. Where there are State health insurance plans, and for people served by Medicare or Medicaid, expansion of coverage to include appropriate acupuncture services would also help remove financial barriers to access.