Insurance and ACC Information

 

 

THE BOUTIQUE Acupuncture is an ACC treatment provider. This means that ACC will cover the cost of acupuncture treatment due to injury. For new injuries, you will need to see your doctor, physiotherapist, chiropractor or osteopath to obtain an ACC45 number. Please bring this number along with you, including the date of the accident or a copy of your ACC acceptance letter.

• ACC

All members of NZRA are recognised by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) as Treatment Providers. Once a claim has been accepted by ACC you may choose to visit a recognised acupuncturist for your treatment. It is not necessary to be referred to an acupuncturist by your GP, physiotherapist or other health provider. Your practitioner may also prescribe Chinese Herbs, but ACC will not cover their cost. Most practitioners will charge a co-payment for ACC treatment.

Acupuncture is very effective in treating acute injuries – in general, the sooner the injury is treated, the better the result. Some severe injuries will require specialist treatment before acupuncture however acupuncture can also be useful in treating the shock and emotional effects of accidents so early treatment is beneficial.

If the injured area is inaccessible due to a plaster cast or dressing, acupuncture points can be chosen above and below the site to treat the injury. Because acupuncture points occur on both sides of the body, the uninjured side may be needled to effect treatment.

 

• Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ)

 

With a referral from a GP, those who are registered with Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) may be eligible for some assistance with payment for treatment.

 

• Health Insurance

 

The following Insurance companies and organisations recognise members of NZRA and will reimburse some of the cost of treatment.

>Southern Cross Medical Care Society

Acupuncture is covered under the “The Wellbeing Plan” which allows for up to $400-00 per year for acupuncture treatment.

 

>Health Service Welfare Society ( HSWS ) PSIS Health Care

Only for those who had policies beginning prior to 2004.

>EBS Health Care (Education Benevolent Society)

This Insurance covers those in the Education Sector who are a member of their Union.

>The following organisations also cover all or some of the cost of Acupuncture treatment for their employees: NZ Police, NZ Post, Air New Zealand, Kiwi Rail, and Veteran’s Affairs.