The Qi Center Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
 

Q. What is the Qi Center about?
The Qi Center was established in 2003 to provide effective, quality acupuncture in a compassionate and safe environment. Acupuncture provides an approach to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that is gentle and safe, and addresses a wide range of health problems to restore homeostasis or balance to the body.
 
 
  
Q. What is the typical treatment like?
After filling out your health history, Nancy Fisher LAc. will review it with you as well as complete any additional information gathered using assessment data pertinent to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Nancy will then discuss with you your needs and goals and create a customized treatment plan. This will include an estimated number of visits, fees, your responsibilities, etc.

Education is a very important part of the therapeutic process. It is our job to teach you everything we can about healthy living and thereby give you the tools needed to remain healthy for a lifetime. In addition to prevention, the Qi Center promotes the acceptance of responsibility for one’s own life and health. TCM is about treating the whole person, not just your pain symptoms or labeled disease. You grow to understand and recognize the patterns of health and wellness rather than merely the absence of disease.

Acupuncture is applied using very thin and delicate ‘needles.’ These safe, sterile needles are much thinner and far more comfortable than hypodermic needles used to draw blood. They are disposed of after one use. It is said that acupuncture is not painful, nor is it entirely painless. Everyone can describe differently the sensation felt. Some say it feels like a dull ache; others describe a warm tingly feeling. Once the practitioner ‘sets’ the needles, the sensation is no longer felt. The needles are left in for about 20-30 minutes, then removed. Most people describe a deep and lasting relaxation after their treatment.

The whole idea behind acupuncture is to rebalance the energy system. The acupuncture points are said to be like entryways into the energy system. Lying on pathways called channels, acupuncture points are like unseen rivers that carry the Qi throughout the body.
 
 
  
Q. How does one choose an acupuncturist?
With acupuncture increasing in popularity, there is an advent of physicians and even dentists receiving certification in acupuncture with only 350 hours of training. This does not qualify them in the intense way as are licensed acupuncturists in the certification process. A licensed acupuncturist must complete three years of Master-level training and pass a national certification examination to be fully licensed by New York State.
 
 
  
Q. Should I not visit my primary healthcare provider while I am seeing an acupuncturist?
The best healthcare is one that combines the strengths of both medicines. They best work together rather than in opposition because, in cooperation, they help and enhance the healing process.
 
 
  
Q. Does acupuncture help relieve my stress?
Absolutely. Since acupuncture is very relaxing, it is a valuable tool to promote and maintain health. We customize each treatment to suit your needs, so if it is relief from stress that you seek, we certainly can help. Once you reach a healthy state by working with us, you return for regular monthly ‘tune ups’ to maintain this state.
 
 
  
Q. What is my responsibility when I come for treatment?
It is your job to keep your appointments, to learn to help your body by redirecting your life in a positive way, and to see us as a coach who helps you find balance. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to understand that the healing process comes from within. Vitality and wellness are then possible.
 
 
  
Q. Do you accept insurance?
The Qi Center/Nancy Fisher LAc. currently is an “in network” provider for some insurance plans. However, more and more insurance companies may let you see an acupuncturist “out of network.” Ask your insurance company if you will be reimbursed for our services. If so, we will give you a statement to submit to your insurance carrier in order to receive reimbursement. The Qi Center will never turn away anyone who cannot afford treatment. If there are financial concerns, please discuss them with us, and we will negotiate a payment plan.
 
 
  
Q. What are your fees?
The Qi Center’s fees are $125.00 for the initial treatment, which includes a comprehensive examination and evaluation, individual report of findings, and treatment program. There is usually time for an acupuncture treatment. The treatment is a 90+ minute visit. Follow-up acupuncture visits are $65.00 each.
 
 
  
Q. What is your Cancellation Policy?
Appointments must be cancelled 24 hours in advance. If an appointment is cancelled less than 24 hours in advance, and we are unable to fill your appointment time, or if the appointment is forgotten (patient does not come or call), there will be no charge for the first offense. After that, the normal fee will be charged.
 
 
  
Q. What is The Qi Center’s Office Hours?
The Qi Center is open by appointment only on Thursday and Saturday from 8:00AM - 7:30PM and on Friday from 2:00PM – 8:00PM. Home/Office acupuncture visits are also available by appointment only