Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice used for various conditions. Despite its age-old roots and evidence suggesting its effectiveness for numerous health issues, some insurance companies and health providers hesitate to cover the costs associated with acupuncture.
For these providers to understand the medical necessity of acupuncture, it’s often beneficial to have a letter written by a healthcare provider.
This letter needs to convey the importance of acupuncture in the patient’s treatment plan and outline why it’s not just a luxury or a preference, but rather a medical necessity.
Letters of Medical Necessity for Acupuncture (15 Samples)
The following are 15 samples of letters of medical necessity for acupuncture, which can be adapted to suit a variety of medical conditions where acupuncture has been found to be effective.
Sample 1: Letter for Chronic Lower Back Pain
Subject: Medical Necessity for Acupuncture – Chronic Lower Back Pain
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am the attending physician for [Patient’s Name], who has been suffering from chronic lower back pain for the past several months. Despite the use of conventional therapies including medications and physical therapy, [Patient’s Name]’s pain levels continue to be high, significantly impacting their daily functioning.
Having exhausted these traditional treatment options, I believe it is necessary for [Patient’s Name] to undergo acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture is recognized as an effective treatment modality for chronic lower back pain, with numerous studies supporting its use.
I trust you will acknowledge the importance of this treatment for [Patient’s Name] and agree to cover the costs associated with acupuncture.
Yours Sincerely, Dr. [Your Name]
Sample 2: Letter for Migraine Management
Subject: Medical Necessity of Acupuncture for Migraine Management
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am the neurologist for [Patient’s Name], who suffers from chronic migraines. [Patient’s Name] has tried multiple pharmacological treatments to manage their migraines, but these have either been ineffective or accompanied by intolerable side effects.
Given this, I believe it is medically necessary for [Patient’s Name] to receive acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture has shown promise in migraine management and may provide [Patient’s Name] with a much-needed alternative treatment strategy.
Therefore, I kindly request you to consider this and provide coverage for acupuncture treatments.
Yours Faithfully, Dr. [Your Name]
Sample 3: Letter for Fibromyalgia Management
Subject: Medical Need for Acupuncture in Fibromyalgia Management
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am the rheumatologist for [Patient’s Name], who has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. This condition, characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and mood disturbances, has proven challenging to manage using standard treatment protocols.
Given the multidimensional nature of fibromyalgia and the limited efficacy of current treatments for some patients, it is my professional opinion that [Patient’s Name] could greatly benefit from acupuncture. There is a growing body of evidence supporting the use of acupuncture in fibromyalgia management.
With this in mind, I strongly recommend the approval for coverage of acupuncture treatments for [Patient’s Name].
Yours Sincerely, Dr. [Your Name]
Sample 4: Letter for Chronic Neck Pain
Subject: Urgent Need for Acupuncture – Chronic Neck Pain
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
As the orthopedic surgeon treating [Patient’s Name], I am writing to highlight the necessity of acupuncture treatments for [Patient’s Name]’s chronic neck pain. This condition has caused significant distress to [Patient’s Name], impacting their quality of life.
Despite numerous treatment attempts, [Patient’s Name]’s condition has not improved. It is with this background that I believe acupuncture, an alternative treatment modality with proven efficacy in managing chronic neck pain, to be necessary.
I kindly request you to consider this and approve the coverage of acupuncture treatments.
Yours Faithfully, Dr. [Your Name]
Sample 5: Letter for Management of Osteoarthritis
Subject: Medical Necessity of Acupuncture for Osteoarthritis Management
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am the attending rheumatologist for [Patient’s Name], who is suffering from osteoarthritis. This condition has caused considerable pain and limited mobility for [Patient’s Name], affecting their ability to perform daily activities.
Considering the limited efficacy of current treatments for some patients, I believe acupuncture could provide significant relief for [Patient’s Name]. Several studies have pointed to the positive impact of acupuncture on osteoarthritis symptoms.
Therefore, I request that you consider this and approve the coverage for acupuncture treatments.
Yours Sincerely, Dr. [Your Name]
Sample 6: Letter for Relief of Menopausal Symptoms
Subject: Urgent Requirement of Acupuncture – Relief of Menopausal Symptoms
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am the gynecologist for [Patient’s Name], who is undergoing the menopausal transition. This phase has been particularly challenging for [Patient’s Name], with severe hot flashes and night sweats.
Traditional hormone therapy, while effective, carries potential side effects and risks that [Patient’s Name] wishes to avoid. Acupuncture has shown promise as a non-hormonal alternative for managing menopausal symptoms, and I believe it would significantly improve [Patient’s Name]’s quality of life.
I kindly request your consideration and approval for coverage of acupuncture treatments.
Yours Faithfully, Dr. [Your Name]
Sample 7: Letter for Insomnia Management
Subject: Medical Necessity of Acupuncture – Insomnia Management
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am the psychiatrist for [Patient’s Name], who suffers from chronic insomnia. Despite the use of pharmacological treatments, [Patient’s Name]’s sleep difficulties persist.
Considering this, I believe it is necessary for [Patient’s Name] to undergo acupuncture treatments. Evidence suggests that acupuncture can be beneficial for sleep disorders like insomnia.
I trust you will acknowledge this need and agree to cover the costs associated with acupuncture.
Yours Sincerely, Dr. [Your Name]
Sample 8: Letter for Anxiety Management
Subject: Need for Acupuncture in Anxiety Management
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am the treating psychologist for [Patient’s Name], who is struggling with chronic anxiety. Despite psychotherapy and medications, [Patient’s Name]’s anxiety levels remain high, severely impacting their daily life.
Given these circumstances, I strongly recommend acupuncture treatments for [Patient’s Name]. Acupuncture has been shown to aid in anxiety management by modulating the body’s stress response.
I kindly request your understanding and approval for the coverage of acupuncture treatments.
Yours Faithfully, Dr. [Your Name]
Sample 9: Letter for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Subject: Medical Necessity for Acupuncture – Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am the attending physician for [Patient’s Name], who suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome. This condition, characterized by persistent fatigue and other symptoms, has significantly impaired [Patient’s Name]’s ability to function.
As there are no specific treatments for this condition, I believe it is necessary for [Patient’s Name] to undergo acupuncture treatments. Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help alleviate symptoms related to chronic fatigue syndrome.
I trust that you will consider this and agree to cover the costs associated with acupuncture.
Yours Sincerely, Dr. [Your Name]
Sample 10: Letter for IBS Management
Subject: Medical Necessity of Acupuncture for IBS Management
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am the gastroenterologist for [Patient’s Name], who suffers from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Despite diet changes and medication, [Patient’s Name]’s IBS symptoms continue to persist.
Given this, I believe it is medically necessary for [Patient’s Name] to receive acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture is known to help manage the symptoms of IBS, offering a promising complementary therapy.
Therefore, I kindly request you to consider this and provide coverage for acupuncture treatments.
Yours Faithfully, Dr. [Your Name]
Sample 11: Letter for Management of Tinnitus
Subject: Urgent Requirement of Acupuncture – Tinnitus Management
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am the ENT specialist for [Patient’s Name], who suffers from chronic tinnitus. This condition has caused significant distress to [Patient’s Name], affecting their quality of life.
Despite numerous treatment attempts, [Patient’s Name]’s tinnitus has not improved. In light of this, I believe acupuncture, an alternative treatment modality with demonstrated efficacy in managing tinnitus, to be necessary.
I kindly request you to consider this and approve the coverage of acupuncture treatments.
Yours Faithfully, Dr. [Your Name]
Sample 12: Letter for Allergy Management
Subject: Medical Necessity of Acupuncture for Allergy Management
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am the allergist for [Patient’s Name], who suffers from severe allergies. Despite the use of antihistamines and other medications, [Patient’s Name]’s symptoms continue to persist.
Given this, it is my professional opinion that acupuncture could provide significant relief for [Patient’s Name]. Some studies suggest that acupuncture may be effective in managing allergy symptoms.
Therefore, I kindly request you to consider this and provide coverage for acupuncture treatments.
Yours Sincerely, Dr. [Your Name]
Sample 13: Letter for Asthma Management
Subject: Need for Acupuncture in Asthma Management
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am the pulmonologist for [Patient’s Name], who suffers from chronic asthma. While medications help manage [Patient’s Name]’s symptoms, they are still experiencing flare-ups, impacting their quality of life.
Given this, I strongly recommend acupuncture treatments for [Patient’s Name]. Acupuncture has shown promise in asthma management, and I believe it would greatly enhance [Patient’s Name]’s current treatment plan.
I kindly request your understanding and approval for the coverage of acupuncture treatments.
Yours Faithfully, Dr. [Your Name]
Sample 14: Letter for Management of Chronic Knee Pain
Subject: Medical Necessity for Acupuncture – Chronic Knee Pain
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am the attending physician for [Patient’s Name], who has been suffering from chronic knee pain for the past several months. Despite the use of conventional therapies including medications and physical therapy, [Patient’s Name]’s pain levels continue to be high, significantly impacting their daily functioning.
Having exhausted these traditional treatment options, I believe it is necessary for [Patient’s Name] to undergo acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture is recognized as an effective treatment modality for chronic knee pain, with numerous studies supporting its use.
I trust you will acknowledge the importance of this treatment for [Patient’s Name] and agree to cover the costs associated with acupuncture.
Yours Sincerely, Dr. [Your Name]
Sample 15: Letter for Management of Stress and Anxiety
Subject: Urgent Requirement of Acupuncture – Stress and Anxiety Management
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am the psychologist for [Patient’s Name], who is dealing with chronic stress and anxiety. Despite psychotherapy and other behavioral interventions, [Patient’s Name] continues to experience high levels of stress and anxiety.
Given the potential of acupuncture in modulating the body’s stress response, I strongly believe it is necessary for [Patient’s Name] to undergo acupuncture treatments. Several studies have suggested the effectiveness of acupuncture in stress and anxiety management.
I kindly request your consideration and approval for the coverage of acupuncture treatments.
Yours Faithfully, Dr. [Your Name]
