Insurance Policies we currently accept (Updated 02/2025):
American Specialty Health: Blue Shield of CA only
Anthem Blue Cross/ Shield
Blue Shield of California
California Schools VEBA
Optum (includes multiple plans)
Providence Health Assurance
United Healthcare
Sutter Health Plus
I no longer accept new Kaiser patients. As of February 2025, I offer new Kaiser Permanente clients a Choose Healthy discount of 25% my cash-pay rates.
To access your insurance benefits, you can pre-quality by calling the office at (707) 595-4575 or at clay@daultonwell.com.
What medical conditions are covered under my insurance plan?
In general, if you have pain (musculoskeletal, digestive, abdominal, chest, post-operative, and cancer related) or post-pregnancy or post-chemotherapy nausea, you can use your Acupuncture benefits with me. Some plans offer coverage for a wider range of diagnostic codes.
You don't generally need a referral from a physician for covered services. Pre-qualifying your benefits will let us know if that's true in your case.
If you have Medicare, you are only covered for Acupuncture administered by an MD. Unfortunate, but true for now!
What is TCM?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a consolidated version of regional and Classical Chinese medical traditions. It was developed under the heavy-hand of Mao Tse-Tong to preserve traditional Chinese medicine and integrate with Western medicine and modern research. Chinese workers and late 19th century immigrants were among the first to bring TCM to the United States. This consolidated version of Chinese medicine is what is taught in most Chinese hospitals, medical schools, and Western training centers.
For a brief overview of the origins of TCM, visit: https://tcmwiki.com/wiki/history
Does acupuncture hurt?
The sensory input you will feel from acupuncture varies according to each person. Classical descriptions of needle sensations include dull, full, heavy, warm, cool, tingling, and slight pain. Each of these sensations have been correlated with unique nerve fibers (Corradino, 2017), so the area of the body plays a strong role in sensation. I use only top-quality acupuncture needles, and provide a very gentle technique.
Acupuncture may have a profound effect on the parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) nervous system, resulting in a generally relaxing (even euphoric) period of treatment. Many patients have a high-quality nap or deep relaxation during treatment.
Is your practice research-based?
The fact is that efficacy in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine is supported by top-notch research, mostly performed in China, Korea, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Accessing this research isn’t difficult, but you need to know where and how to look. If you have questions about your condition and modern research in Chinese Medicine, just ask and I’ll be sure to support your query.
If you are interested, you may investigate acupuncture research in the National Library of Medicine database.