What Low Back Pain Treatments Does Medicare Cover? Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain Explained
- Dr. Melissa Levy
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
If you are dealing with chronic low back pain and have Medicare, you may be wondering what treatment options are actually covered. Many patients are surprised to learn that Medicare now covers acupuncture for chronic low back pain under specific guidelines.
At Integrative Wellness Center of Jacksonville, we now accept Medicare Part B for acupuncture for chronic low back pain, offering patients a non-drug, evidence-based treatment option.
Does Medicare Cover Treatment for Low Back Pain?
Yes — Medicare covers several treatments for low back pain, depending on the diagnosis and medical necessity. One important update in recent years is that Medicare Part B covers acupuncture specifically for chronic low back pain.
This coverage was introduced in response to growing evidence supporting non-pharmacologic approaches to chronic pain management.
Medicare Coverage for Acupuncture: Who Qualifies?
Medicare covers acupuncture for patients who meet the following criteria:
Chronic low back pain lasting 12 weeks or longer
Pain that is non-specific
Pain not caused by:
Infection
Cancer
Inflammatory conditions
Fracture
Recent surgery
If your back pain meets these requirements, you may qualify for Medicare-covered acupuncture treatment.
How Many Acupuncture Visits Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare allows:
Up to 12 acupuncture visits within a 90-day period
An additional 8 visits if you show improvement with treatment
A total of 20 visits per calendar year
Your progress is evaluated to determine continued eligibility.
Why Does Medicare Cover Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain?
Chronic low back pain is one of the most common causes of disability and healthcare utilization in adults. Research has shown that acupuncture can help by:
Reducing chronic pain intensity
Improving mobility and function
Supporting long-term pain management
Offering a non-opioid, non-surgical treatment option
Because of this evidence, acupuncture is now included as a covered treatment option for qualifying Medicare beneficiaries.
Acupuncture for Low Back Pain at Integrative Wellness Center of Jacksonville
At our clinic, Medicare-covered acupuncture services are provided by Dr. Luca Gausik, MD. Treatments are delivered within an integrative, evidence-informed framework focused on improving function, reducing pain, and supporting overall quality of life.
We work collaboratively with primary care providers and specialists to ensure safe, appropriate care for each patient.
How to Get Started with Medicare-Covered Acupuncture
If you have Medicare and chronic low back pain, the next steps are simple:
Confirm that your low back pain has lasted 12 weeks or longer
Schedule an appointment to determine eligibility
Begin care with ongoing evaluation of progress and response to treatment
Our team can help answer questions about Medicare coverage and scheduling.
Contact Us
To learn more about Medicare-covered acupuncture for chronic low back pain or to schedule an appointment, contact:
Integrative Wellness Center of Jacksonville
📞 Phone: 904-800-5588
📠 Fax: 904-800-5588
🌐 Website: www.iwcjacksonville.com
Check you Insurance Coverage at:
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare & Low Back Pain Treatment
Does Medicare cover acupuncture for low back pain?Yes. Medicare Part B covers acupuncture for chronic low back pain that has lasted 12 weeks or longer and is not caused by surgery, fracture, infection, or cancer.
How many acupuncture visits does Medicare cover?Medicare covers up to 12 visits in 90 days, with up to 8 additional visits if improvement is shown, for a maximum of 20 visits per year.
Does Medicare cover acupuncture for sciatica or disc herniation?Medicare coverage is limited to non-specific chronic low back pain. Coverage may not apply if pain is clearly linked to disc herniation, fracture, infection, or recent surgery.
Is acupuncture a safe treatment for older adults?Yes. Acupuncture is considered a low-risk, non-pharmacologic treatment option and is often used to support pain relief and function in older adults.
Do I need a referral for Medicare-covered acupuncture?In many cases, a referral is not required, but eligibility must be confirmed based on Medicare guidelines. Our office can assist with verification.