Using the Branches to Treat Lower Jiao Pain of Different Types
Featured Speaker: Chad Bailey, AP
What are the classical branches of Chinese Medicine? Acupuncture, Tui Na Massage, Herbology, Diet Therapy, and Qi Gong.
Featured Speaker: Chad Bailey, AP
What are the classical branches of Chinese Medicine? Acupuncture, Tui Na Massage, Herbology, Diet Therapy, and Qi Gong.
When previous bills intended to restrict the use of the words “physician” or “doctor” in professional titles were introduced in Florida, they gained little traction or support. What made Senate Bill 230 different was not its language or timing, but instead the legislative leadership backing the Bill. Unlike previous efforts, in 2024, Florida’s State Senate leadership shared that SB 230 was a cornerstone in their healthcare reform agenda. Sponsorship of SB 230 was entrusted to the Health Policy Committee chairperson in the Senate, and a medical doctor elected to the leadership of the State House of Representatives. This gave gravitas and political life to an issue that had previously been floundering.
The Senate and House versions of SB 230 essentially would have banned anyone but medical doctors and osteopathic physicians from using the words “physician” in their advertisements and daily interactions with patients. Exceptions were made for chiropractic physicians, who are authorized in their practice to identify themselves as chiropractic physicians; as well as dentists and podiatrists, whose specialty recognitions and licenses can include the terms doctor, physician, and surgeon.1
Galina V. Roofener AP
Dear FSOMA Members,
The FSOMA, as a 501(c)6, not-for-profit professional association, has been serving Florida Licensed Acupuncturists since 1994. During our long history, FSOMA has had tremendous success in gaining respect and acceptance for our profession at the State and National levels.
The American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA) held their annual conference in Washington DC April 5-8. The meeting began with a national council meeting with representatives from 34 states and DC. ASA is supported by state associations who gather to share ideas and challenges of the acupuncture profession nationally. Representing FSOMA at the conference were: President Galina Roofener, Membership Chairman Dickie Walls, and Cynthiaann Hayes-Hurst, Advocacy Chairman.
Discussion was centered around efforts to support HR4803, the Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act. This bill will allow licensed acupuncturists to be authorized providers of Medicare benefits. There are many reasons why this is important for our profession. Recognition by Medicare will:
The sequence of determining the depth to a TCM diagnosis is never exact. Unlike our western medical colleagues, we keep an open mind in developing our diagnosis and treatment plans. I have noted this difference in other blogs. However, I will now further highlight how this “inexactness” manifests in my treating relationship with the patient. The initial intake is the best example in demonstrating the differing philosophy of both fields.
The TCM intake takes on much more significance in comparison to a typical western intake. Specifically, the TCM practitioner spends much more time in gathering “peripheral” patient information. Matters such as lifestyle choices, diet, and exercise patterns are heavily emphasized in the TCM intake.
BREAKING NEWS
Editorial Staff | DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE
Employment contracts, from both an employer and employee perspective
Renegotiating contracts with insurance plans, and how to find the right person within the insurance company to do that
SOURCE: American Specialty Health Incorporated Health Services Department
This study underscores the importance of expanding access to acupuncture for a broader range of patients, emphasizing its potential to positively impact healthcare outcomes. With high patient satisfaction rates and notable improvements in pain management and overall well-being, acupuncture presents a promising avenue for enhancing and improving patient care.
Originally presented in webinar format by David Bibbey, LAc. The webinar is available to all FSOMA members here. Log into your membership account to gain access.
Congratulations on completing your academic journey in acupuncture! Now, it's time to turn your knowledge into a thriving practice. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the crucial steps involved in opening your first acupuncture clinic.
Originally presented in webinar format by David Bibbey, LAc. The webinar is available to all FSOMA members here. Log into your membership account to gain access.
In recent years, acupuncture has gained recognition and acceptance as an effective complementary therapy for various medical conditions. Many patients are seeking acupuncture treatments to manage pain, improve overall health, and enhance their well-being. This article will explore the availability of acupuncture coverage under Medicare and Medicaid, shedding light on how these government programs can significantly impact the accessibility of acupuncture services for patients.
Originally presented in webinar format by David Bibbey, LAc. The webinar is available to all FSOMA members here. Log into your membership account to gain access.
In today's digital age, where information is readily available at our fingertips, local newspapers remain a powerful platform for community engagement. As a healthcare practitioner, sharing your expertise through newspaper articles can be a game-changer for your practice and community outreach. In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps of crafting compelling articles for submission to your local newspaper.
Originally presented in webinar format by David Bibbey, LAc. The webinar is available to all FSOMA members here. Log into your membership account to gain access.
Starting and managing an acupuncture practice involves more than just clinical skills. Acupuncturists must navigate various administrative and regulatory requirements. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the steps required to set up an acupuncture practice; including: obtaining a business license, managing tangible property taxes, and understanding the complexities of Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement.
In today's digital landscape, websites play a pivotal role in connecting businesses and healthcare providers with their target audiences. However, the digital realm is not always inclusive, often presenting barriers for individuals with disabilities. This comprehensive guide addresses two essential components that bridge the gap of inclusivity: ADA compliance for businesses and web accessibility for healthcare providers. Let's delve into the significance of these aspects, the guidelines to adhere to, the potential legal ramifications, and the actionable steps required to create an all-encompassing online presence.
As technology evolves, the importance of ensuring that websites are accessible to everyone becomes increasingly evident. This guide amalgamates the realms of ADA compliance and web accessibility to provide a comprehensive understanding of the requirements and practices needed to establish an inclusive digital environment.
In today's climate of heightened expectations in healthcare, patients are seeking seamless experiences that begin before they even step foot in your practice.
But how can you begin to virtually develop a strong rapport with a potential patient and guide them along their healthcare journey? It starts with a concise, consistent, and current online presence.
This article was created from Building Better Business webinar: Business Budgeting 101
Edited by: Dr. Rachel Siditsky, AP, FSOMA Editor
April is National Autism Awareness Month, and this is an opportunity to showcase the ways in which Chinese medicine helps to serve different populations. When working with autism spectrum patients many can struggle with speech, touch, and sensory processing. As practitioners, we have many tools to help navigate these aspects of working with autism spectrum patients while providing a comfortable and safe environment in our offices.
Autism spectrum patients may find it difficult to process information quickly to respond to lengthy questioning. Perhaps they may be able to process the questioning and information but find it challenging to communicate appropriate/accurate responses in real time. The beauty of Chinese medicine is the ability to treat someone without requiring them to dive deep into conversation or answer questions to check off the symptom/presentation needed to write a formal diagnosis, which may be the case in a western medical setting. If a patient struggles with verbal communication or they are nonverbal but read or write and consent to treatment, there are tools at our disposal to use for intake. This includes pulse diagnosis, tongue diagnosis, facial reading, and channel palpation. These tools all provide great diagnostic insight of the patient's current pathology. Utilizing pulse and tongue diagnosis has been a great way to form a diagnosis and treatment plan without requiring an autism spectrum patient to verbally communicate in depth responses if they prefer not to or are unable to. As a practitioner treating autism spectrum patients, I will still communicate with the patient what I am going to do and ensure an appropriate form of consent prior to placing my hands on their wrist for pulse diagnosis or any kind of physical touch, just as I would for all my patients. Physical cues for consent could be the patient rolling up their sleeves/bottom of pant leg, extending their arms out on the table or a head nod. The patient may also have a notebook where they write responses and consent to treatment.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, commonly known as CMS, requires physician supervision of certain services as a condition for reimbursement. The required supervision level depends on the type of service performed, the setting where the service is performed and the physical location of where the service is performed. Adhering to the proper protocol is critical, as services furnished without the required level of physician supervision are not reimbursable by Medicare and may potentially have even more significant consequences, including civil and criminal penalties.
Generally, there are three levels of supervision for diagnostic testing in non-hospital facilities:
Have you ever wanted to work with Veterans or First Responders? This article offers a “glimpse” of what is possible within the scope of our practice, providing practical, safe and repeatable positive outcomes for those who serve us so well.
Who: Those in the military have served our country; first responders such as local law enforcement or sheriff’s office as well as the fire department also serve our society. Their commitment and sacrifice to maintain the freedoms we all hold dear deserves our dedication. Over the last 4 years, my work has evolved to assist those who have served, providing a multidisciplinary approach for those who desire direction and help for their mind, body, soul, and spirit.
One network that can help us as professionals with out of control, inappropriate or addictive type behavior is the Professionals Resource Network, Inc. (PRN) - For Florida practitioners who find themselves in trouble. Don’t wait for discipline to be enacted, get support now through PRN. You can report someone, or yourself and get help. For someone facing discipline by the Board of Acupuncture it may be a way to maintain your license. They provide counseling and monitoring to ensure public safety.
If you have a problem, get help before you cross the line.
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The best way to ensure success for your business is to plan ahead. If you want to grow and bring in profits, you need a strategy. Outline your goals and what steps you’ll take to achieve them. Have a plan to track your finances throughout the year and a method of evaluating your success.