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Submitted 2011-07-25 16:53:20
An imperative step for the incorporation of acupuncture into the contemporary health care system is the preparing and credentialing of acupuncture practitioners by the appropriate local agencies. This is necessary to allow the general public and other health professionals to identify qualified acupuncturists. The acupuncture educational communities have made substantial progress in this area and is promoted to follow this course. Educational standards have been established for training of physician and non-physician acupuncture practitioners. Many acupuncture teaching programs are accredited by an agency that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A federal credentialing agency exists for non-physician acupuncture practitioners and offers exams for entry-level competency in the field. A nationally recognized exam for physician acupuncture practitioners has been established.
A majority of States provide licensure or registration for acupuncture practice. Since some acupuncturists have limited English ability, credentialing and licensing exams should be provided in languages other than English where necessary. There is deviation in the titles that are conferred in these processes, and the requirements to obtain licensure vary widely. The range of practice allowed under these State requirements varies as well. Although States have the individual prerogative to set standards for profession licensures, consistency in these areas will offer greater confidence in the qualifications of acupuncturists. For instance, not all States recognize the same credentialing exam, therefore making reciprocity complicated.
The occurrence of adverse events 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 patients need to be in position. Consumers 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 must be provided in a manner that is linguistically and culturally appropriate to the consumers. Use of acupuncture needles should always follow FDA regulations, including use of sterile, single-use needles. It is noted that these are already being practiced by many acupuncturists; however, these practices should be uniform.
It has been confirmed that more than 1 million Americans currently accept acupuncture procedure each year. Sustained access to qualified acupuncture professionals for appropriate conditions need to be ensured. Because many people seek health care treatment from both acupuncturists and physicians, communication between these providers should be strengthened and enhanced. If a patient is under the care of an acupuncturist and a physician, both practitioners should be aware. Both patients and providers have a responsibility to facilitate this communication.
Evidence suggests that some consumers have inadequate access to acupuncture services because of lack of ability to pay. Insurance companies can remove financial hurdles to access depending on their willingness to offer coverage for appropriate acupuncture practices. More and more insurance companies are either considering this possibility or now provide coverage for acupuncture services. Where there are State health insurance plans, and for populations served by Medicare or Medicaid, expanding coverage to include appropriate acupuncture services would also help remove financial barriers to access.
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By: Lisa Wellner
The integration of acupuncture into today's health care system will be made possible by a better understanding among practitioners of the language and practices of both the Eastern and Western health care communities. Acupuncture focuses on a holistic, energy-based model to the patient rather than a disease-oriented diagnostic and treatment model.
An imperative step for the incorporation of acupuncture into the contemporary health care system is the preparing and credentialing of acupuncture practitioners by the appropriate local agencies. This is necessary to allow the general public and other health professionals to identify qualified acupuncturists. The acupuncture educational communities have made substantial progress in this area and is promoted to follow this course. Educational standards have been established for training of physician and non-physician acupuncture practitioners. Many acupuncture teaching programs are accredited by an agency that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A federal credentialing agency exists for non-physician acupuncture practitioners and offers exams for entry-level competency in the field. A nationally recognized exam for physician acupuncture practitioners has been established.
A majority of States provide licensure or registration for acupuncture practice. Since some acupuncturists have limited English ability, credentialing and licensing exams should be provided in languages other than English where necessary. There is deviation in the titles that are conferred in these processes, and the requirements to obtain licensure vary widely. The range of practice allowed under these State requirements varies as well. Although States have the individual prerogative to set standards for profession licensures, consistency in these areas will offer greater confidence in the qualifications of acupuncturists. For instance, not all States recognize the same credentialing exam, therefore making reciprocity complicated.
The occurrence of adverse events 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 patients need to be in position. Consumers 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 must be provided in a manner that is linguistically and culturally appropriate to the consumers. Use of acupuncture needles should always follow FDA regulations, including use of sterile, single-use needles. It is noted that these are already being practiced by many acupuncturists; however, these practices should be uniform.
It has been confirmed that more than 1 million Americans currently accept acupuncture procedure each year. Sustained access to qualified acupuncture professionals for appropriate conditions need to be ensured. Because many people seek health care treatment from both acupuncturists and physicians, communication between these providers should be strengthened and enhanced. If a patient is under the care of an acupuncturist and a physician, both practitioners should be aware. Both patients and providers have a responsibility to facilitate this communication.
Evidence suggests that some consumers have inadequate access to acupuncture services because of lack of ability to pay. Insurance companies can remove financial hurdles to access depending on their willingness to offer coverage for appropriate acupuncture practices. More and more insurance companies are either considering this possibility or now provide coverage for acupuncture services. Where there are State health insurance plans, and for populations served by Medicare or Medicaid, expanding coverage to include appropriate acupuncture services would also help remove financial barriers to access.
Author Resource:->??The website of Britannia Acupuncture Clinic will provide you with more information about acupuncture practice.
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