Medicare coverage for massage or acupuncture in PD?

[Ob6842]

Has anyone had Medicare with a supplement pay for massages or acupuncture due to stiffness caused by PD? (especially in the neck/shoulders).What can be deemed “medically necessary”?

[kaypeeoh]

I was referred to an acupuncturist by my neuro doctor. He had an office in the same building. Acupuncture was needles in the liver meridian. And needles between the knuckles of both hands. But without warning he was suddenly gone and a movement specialist took over his area. I never saw any change, good or bad. from the acupuncture. I studied acupuncture years ago. The stiffness with PD is thought to be "Stuck Chi" and needles get the Chi moving. Like I said, acupuncture didn't work for me.

[Lizzy9 in reply to kaypeeoh]

Acupuncture didn’t work for my HwP either. A waste of money!

[carrow_road in reply to kaypeeoh]

I tried it when i first realized i had PD. It did nothing for my right hand/arm tremor.

[kaypeeoh in reply to carrow_road]

This all shows the complexity of PD.

[justoldage in reply to kaypeeoh]

My niece is an acupuncturist and she told me it takesmany treatments.

[janers]

yes, my Medicare through Aetna covers acupuncture/massage. I find it helpful just in general for relaxation and muscle relief.

[Ob6842 in reply to janers]

Does your doctor have to say it’s “medically necessary” for both?

[janers]

I think the acupuncturist puts in the code for backpain which is approved for treatment. I’d advise you to check with your acupuncturist about this.