GOOD NEWS!

Medicare will now cover acupuncture for low back pain.  

“We are dedicated to increasing access to alternatives to prescription opioids and believe that covering acupuncture for chronic low back pain is in the best interest of Medicare patients.” Said CMS Principal Deputy Administrator of Operations and Policy Kimberly Brandt. “We are building on important lessons learned from the private sector in this critical aspect of patient care. Over- reliance on opioids for people with chronic pain is one of the factors that led to the crisis, so it is vital that we offer a range of treatment options for our beneficiaries.”

WA Labor and Industries approved the use of acupuncture for low back pain in 2019. Pacific’s own Dr Duarte provides acupuncture in our Everett location. Dr Duarte is fluent in Spanish and is loved by our patients. If you are covered under Workers’ Compensation and have low back pain, it only takes a referral from your attending physician and does not require preauthorization. Referrals may be faxed to our Everett location 1-877-302-7136.

Learn more about Pacific Rehabilitation Centers’ pain management program or contact us to see how we can help.