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Pacific College Clinic - Frequently Asked
Questions
If you are a new patient to our clinic, or new to Chinese medicine,
you will probably have a few unanswered questions. Below is a list of
some of the most commonly asked questions. Click on any one to see its
answer.
• What type of services does the clinic
at Pacific College offer?
• What are the qualifications
of my practitioner?
• What is acupuncture? Does it hurt?
• Is Chinese medicine safe?
• What should I expect during my first
visit?
• How many needles are inserted?
• How long are the appointments?
• How long will it take to get better?
• How should I prepare for my first visit?
• What is the cost to be seen by a student
intern or Licensed
acupuncturist in Pacific’s clinic?
• I am on a limited income. Do you
provide any discounts?
• Does Pacific accept insurance?
• How do I make an appointment?
• How long does it take to get an
appointment?
• What is your cancellation policy?
• What are your days and hours of operation?
• I have coupon for a free treatment.
How do I redeem it?
• Where are you located? What are the
directions to your clinic?
• Do you provide parking?
• What do other patients have to say
about their experience with
Pacific College?
• Can you refer me to a Licensed Acupuncturist
in my area?
• Where can I find more information
on Chinese medicine?
What type of services does the clinic at Pacific College offer?
The Pacific College Clinic offers treatment and/or consultation with acupuncture,
Chinese herbs, nutritional counseling and massage*. (*San Diego campus
when available.)
What are the qualifications of my practitioner?
As a teaching clinic, all student interns are in their final year of training
towards a Masters degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine or Acupuncture
and work under the supervision of our licensed faculty. Your intern will
have almost 400 clinical hours of training and completed courses such
as Anatomy, Biology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Oriental
medicine theory, Herbology, Needle Techniques and Point Location before
they begin their clinical rotation in Pacific’s clinic. Patients
also have the option of receiving treatments by a licensed acupuncturist
who is observed by a group of 2-5 students.
What is acupuncture? Does it hurt?
Acupuncture consists of the gentle insertion and stimulation of thin,
disposable sterile needles at strategic points near the surface of the
body. While many acupuncture patients are initially wary of the claim
that acupuncture doesn’t hurt, they soon discover that the experience
is quite pleasurable.
Is Chinese medicine safe?
When practiced by a trained professional, acupuncture is extremely safe.
Because the treatment does not involve the use of drugs, patients do not
have to worry about adverse side effects. However, there are certain conditions
you should notify your practitioner about before undergoing treatment,
such as hemophilia or if you have a pacemaker.
What should I expect during my first visit?
All new patients in Pacific’s clinic are asked to complete a patient
information form and health history. This questionnaire will include questions
about your medical history, your family’s medical history, and your
lifestyle. It is a good idea to bring with you any copies of previous
tests, lab results and any medications or supplements you are currently
taking. The physical exam can include taking vital signs as well as detailed
examination of the pulse and tongue, abdominal palpation and facial diagnosis.
When your practitioner arrives at a working diagnosis, they will place
you in a comfortable position to insert the needles. After the needles
are inserted, you will relax in the treatment room for 15 to 20 minutes.
Your practitioner will then return and take out the needles. After the
treatment is over, they may prescribe Chinese herbal medicines if they
would be helpful to you.
How many needles are inserted?
Ten to twenty needles may be inserted, although more or less is not uncommon.
How long are the appointments?
While this can sometimes vary, generally a new patient’s first visit
will last between 60-90 minutes. We ask that all new patients arrive 15
minutes prior to their scheduled appointment to fill out the necessary
paperwork. Subsequent appointments generally last between 45-60 minutes.
How long will it take to get better?
Most health problems take more than one treatment to resolve. Expect to
have four treatments before reassessment. Many problems may require ten
or more treatments before significant benefits accrue. Along the way,
though, you should see an overall improvement in your health as your main
complaint improves as well.
How should I prepare for my first visit?
In addition to bringing copies of any previous medical records and medications
or supplements you are currently taking, we generally recommend that new
patients wear loose fitting clothing and have something to eat approximately
one hour before your appointment.
What is the cost to be seen by a student intern or Licensed acupuncturist
in Pacific’s clinic?
Complementary therapies such as acupuncture, herbology, and massage are
often less expensive than Western therapies for the same conditions. Pacific’s
clinic fees are moderate and affordable for most, and include discounts
for students and senior citizens. For details, please visit the Services
& Fees section.
I am on a limited income. Do you provide any discounts?
In an effort to make the complementary health care at Pacific affordable
to the public, we offer discounts to Senior Citizens and students and
employees of Pacific College. Pacific also offers frequency discounts
to regular clinic patients.
Does Pacific accept insurance?
While we are unable to accept insurance at this time, patients will receive
a receipt upon payment for reimbursement. Pacific College Clinic does
accept cash, personal checks, and MasterCard and Visa credit cards.
How do I make an appointment?
Please call the Pacific College Clinic directly at:
San Diego (619) 574-6932
New York (212) 982-4600
Chicago (773) 477-4822
How long does it take to get an appointment?
While we can often accommodate same-day appointments, the typical wait
to be seen in our clinic is from 3-5 days.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require 24 hours notice when canceling an appointment. Cancellations
made with less notice are assessed a $25.00 cancellation fee (New York
only). Tardiness in excess of 20 minutes is considered a forfeit of the
appointment.
What are your days and hours of operation?
Please visit our Hours & Location section for more information on
our hours of operation.
I have coupon for a free treatment. How do I redeem it?
Call our clinic to make your appointment. When you arrive for your first
appointment, present your coupon to the clinic staff.
Where are you located? What are the directions to your clinic?
For our address and driving directions, please visit the Map & Directions
section of this website.
Do you provide parking?
San Diego - Yes. Parking for clinic patients can be found
in the college’s front parking lot nearest the entrance to Suite
105.
New York - No. We suggest taking the subway or other
public transportation to the college or utilizing a pay parking lot.
Chicago - No. We suggest taking the “El”
or other public transportation to the college or utilizing a pay parking
lot.
What do other patients have to say about their experience with Pacific
College?
Click here to read some of our most recent patient
testimonials.
Can you refer me to a Licensed Acupuncturist in my area?
In addition to the qualified Licensed Acupuncturists found in Pacific
College’s clinic, you may also search our database of alumni for
a practitioner in your area.
Where can I find more information on Chinese medicine?
Please visit our Links
page. Here you will find links to resources on that can provide you with
more detailed information on the history and efficacy of Chinese medicine.
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