April 04, 2017, the American College of Physicians recently issued new non- invasive treatments for acute, subacute and chronic low back pain. Here are the first two Recommendations:
On May 11, 2017, the FDA proposed that doctors learn about acupuncture for pain management. This is exciting news with regards to the Opioid Crisis that we are faced with.
“The blueprint released this week is part of a strategy the FDA rolled out in 2011 to address a crisis of prescription drug abuse. The FDA required opioid manufacturers to provide education for health providers who prescribe their pain medications — but didn’t mention chiropractic care or acupuncture in its initial blueprint for what that education ought to look like.
Now, the agency is seeking to give prescribers more information on a broader range of approaches to manage pain, including non-pharmacologic therapies, said Sarah Peddicord, a spokesperon for the FDA.”
Medicaid News:
July 1, 2016 marked the start-up date for significant projects to use licensed acupuncture patients for Medicaid patients from two states nearly 3,000 miles apart. As previously reported here in Integrative Practitioner, the Oregon Health Authority included acupuncturists with chiropractors, massage therapists and yoga practitioners in a revolutionary plan to prioritize integrative approaches over opioids when possible. On the same date, a new law, Opiate Bill, S. 243 came into effect in Vermont. The law granted $200,000 to engage “a pilot project to offer acupuncture services to Medicaid-eligible Vermonters with a diagnosis of chronic pain.” With a federal match, the program budget is expected to total $437,828.
Ohio will make history as the first state in the midwest to give Medicaid recipients access to covered acupuncture benefits, which will go into effect later this year on October 1, 2017
Are you ready to get started with your acupuncture treatment and start living with a healthier back? Call today!