Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQ

which treatment is right for me?

Many of our patients find benefit from multiple forms of treatment working together, which is one major plus at an integrative clinic.  If you are not sure where to start or which would best for you, we recommend coming in for an assessment.

Can you directly bill my health insurance?

Yes. We offer direct billing for most major insurance providers. It is the patients responsibility to know the details of their plan, including deductibles and yearly limits; for privacy reasons this information is not shared with the clinic. In the case of direct billing not being available due to plan rules, patients are responsible for paying the fees.

can i get a last-minute appointment?

To ensure your ideal appointment time we recommend booking ahead, however there may be a chance of last-minute appointments. Please call 250-391-8811 to see if there are appointments available within the next couple of hours, as these no longer appear on our online booking. You may also add yourself to a cancellation waiting list through our online booking.

Why do I need to enter my credit card?

Sometimes billing may need to be handled off site, as in the case of the Covid lockdown of 2020 when there was no staff in the clinic to process payments. Having a credit card on file also helps in case there is a delay or change in receiving payments from your insurance company. There can be several different scenarios why we may need to process your credit card but we will discuss that with you. Patient fees in the clinic can also be paid by debit, credit or cash.

Do you take ICBC?

We take ICBC for Acupuncture, with direct billing for fees. The chiropractors also see ICBC patients but we do not direct bill for fees. The RMTs are no longer taking ICBC patients.

Why won’t my intake form save?

If a patient has trouble saving their intake form, it could be due to a few factors. Here are some common issues and solutions:

1. Browser Issues: Sometimes, browser settings or extensions can interfere with the functionality of web-based forms. Encourage the patient to try using a different browser or clearing their browser cache.

2. Connection Problems: A weak or unstable internet connection can cause issues when saving forms online. The patient should check their internet connection and try again.

3. Auto-Save Feature: Jane's intake forms typically auto-save as a patient fills them out. If the patient is experiencing issues, it might be due to interruptions in this auto-save process.

4. Form Completion: Ensure the patient has filled out all required fields. Sometimes a form won't save because the required information is missing.

When a patient is filling out an intake form, the forms are saved when someone moves from one step to another. For example, if someone presses the blue Next button after completing their demographics, this will save their demographics.

It's worth noting that since intake forms are saved when moving between steps, a very comprehensive Questionnaire portion will take time to complete. Patients should complete this in one go to not lose their progress if they navigate away partway through a section.

Acupuncture FAQ

Is acupuncture safe? Do the needles hurt?

Acupuncture is the fastest growing medicine worldwide and is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for a wide range of conditions from pain to insomnia to hormonal issues. It is very safe when performed by a registered acupuncturist. Acupuncturists use high quality, single-use, sterile, disposable needles, that are discarded into a sharps bio-hazard container after their use.

Acupuncture needles are 25-50 times thinner than hypodermic needles, therefore most people don’t even feel their insertion. Occasionally there might be a slight pinch, but that disappears within a couple seconds. You may feel a dull ache, tingling, warmth, or heaviness at the acupuncture point, which is the Qi moving at that area. Most people feel very relaxed and comfortable during the treatment, and often fall asleep.

What should I expect on my first visit?

On your first visit, the acupuncturist will conduct a complete intake evaluation, in which questions will be asked concerning your main complaint, your overall health, and your previous health history. After the evaluation, a diagnosis and treatment plan will be created to meet your individual needs. Based on your individualized treatment plan,other modalities may be included in your treatment, such as cupping, gua sha, auricular acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, and dietary advice.

How many treatments do I need?

The number of treatments depends on many factors such as the duration and severity of the patients condition, the patients overall health, and how well the patient responds to acupuncture. Some acute conditions may resolve after only 2-3 treatments,whereas other conditions may require ongoing treatment. Many chronic conditions take anywhere from 5 to 15 treatments to obtain optimal results. An individualized treatment plan will be made and your progress will be determined and discussed throughout the course of treatments. Because one of the goals of Traditional Chinese Medicine is to help prevent disease, many people choose to receive acupuncture on a monthly or biweekly basis as part of their self-care routine.

Should I bring anything to the treatment?

It is always helpful to bring a list of current medications, current medical lab reports, and any other relevant information that might assist in your treatment plan. Make sure you have eaten at least 2 hours before your treatment, and try to avoid coffee or alcohol before your treatment. Wearing loose fitting clothing is always helpful too!

What are the side effects of Acupuncture?

Many people report feeling either very relaxed or very energetic after an acupuncture treatment. Often times people will notice an improvement with their sleep, digestion, and stress levels. Sometimes people feel a bit sore after a treatment.

Do insurance companies cover acupuncture?

Many insurance companies cover acupuncture treatments. We can not access your plan to see what your coverage is, but if you do have coverage we can often directly submit to your insurance provider.