The Day Of Your Visit:

Please try to avoid eating or drinking anything that will stain your tongue, such as coffee, tea, juice, or candy for at least an hour before arrival, as we will be examining your tongue and we want it to be its normal color. Refrain from using caffeine, drugs, and alcohol for at least two hours before and after your treatment. You will be most comfortable if you wear loose shirts and pants that can roll up above the knee and to the shoulder. Draping may be provided to ensure modesty. Please refrain from wearing perfume, strongly scented oils, and/or lotions on the day of your visit, as many patients are allergic to perfumes and fragrances. 

In order to maximize the time spent during your appointment on your treatment, it is useful to print and fill out our New Patient forms ahead of time and bring them with you to your appointment. If you are unable to do so, please allow extra time prior to your appointment to fill them out at our office.

New patients without insurance coverage must pay the Initial Comprehensive Exam before or after scheduling. Book online or call to schedule.

Let us check your insurance!

Initial Comprehensive Exam Deposit

We strive to allow all patients to schedule acupuncture in an efficient and timely manner. This deposit is used as a guarantee for your appointment and will be applied toward your initial acupuncture service. If your insurance covers acupuncture, you will not be required to pay the deposit. Failure to make the deposit will result in appointment cancellation. If you miss or cancel your appointment without 24 hour notice, this fee can NOT be transferred or applied to another date and/or time.

Cancellation Policy:

Because initial appointments require extra time and time slots are tightly scheduled, we require patients to provide 24 hours notice for cancellations. Out of respect for our time and to other patients waiting for visits, a fee of $55 will be charged for late cancellations and rescheduling or your prepaid exam fee will be forfeited.

If you find that you are running late for your appointment, please give the office a call to let us know. We will do our very best to accommodate you.

Payment and Insurance:

We accept cash, personal checks, and credit cards. Payment is expected at the time of your visit. Although we only bill a limited number of insurance companies, we can provide you with the proper documentation to submit for reimbursement. 

Sanitation:

At Ponderay Acupuncture, we believe that the treatment begins from the moment you enter the office. We pride ourselves on providing the most healing experience in a calm, clean environment. We have hand washing sinks in or near all treatment rooms, our linens are professionally laundered after each use, and all reusable equipment, such as cups are sanitized after each use. We only use sterile, single-use, disposable acupuncture needles, which are directly discarded into bio-hazardous waste containers.

Herbal Safety:

Ponderay Acupuncture takes the issue of herb safety very seriously. Nelson Comerci L.Ac. is certified to practice Chinese Herbology by the NCCAOM and licensed by the State of Idaho. All herbal products are tested for bacteria, mold, heavy metals, and pesticides. Prepared formulas are manufactured according to strict Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and World Health Organization (WHO).

Chaperone Policy:

As health care providers, we respect the dignity of each patient and conduct each visit in a manner that strives to provide a comfortable and considerate atmosphere providing appropriate gowns, privacy for undressing, sensitive use of draping, and clear explanations of various components of the physical examination.

Some physical examinations will be highly focused and the patient will be fully clothed; in other cases, the patient may need to be unclothed. In every case, patients are free to request a chaperone. The chaperone may be a patient advocate or authorized health care professional. The health care professionals will adhere to the standards of confidentiality. During the time that a chaperone is present, the health care provider will strive to keep all inquires of a sensitive nature to a minimum. If a chaperone is provided, a separate opportunity for private conversation will be provided, however, you may request a chaperone for any examination performed at this clinic.

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Whether it’s your first step to a healthier life or your last resort, Chinese medicine gives you the power to make positive changes.