Acupuncture

For all acupuncture services provided and billed through HNS, the medical necessity for the services must be clearly documented in the patient's health care record, must be reported using the most appropriate codes and must be consistent with the patient's chief complaint, clinical findings, diagnoses and treatment plan.

All acupuncture services provided and billed through HNS must be consistent with all HNS and HNS contracted payor policies, the policies of applicable state licensing boards as well as state and federal laws.

Only those providers who have met the appropriate state Board of Examiner's continuing education requirements for acupuncture, and have submitted evidence of such continuing education to that Board, may provide acupuncture services to patients whose claims are filed through HNS.

Documentation must include:

• The number of needles applied
• Specific anatomical areas where needles applied
• Any use of electrical stimulation
• Duration of the service time - should be reported in 15 minute increments

Note: Time includes pre-service, intra-service and post-service work.