Community Acupuncture FAQ

What is Community Acupuncture?

Community Acupuncture is a global phenomenon that is low cost, shorter duration treatments in a small group setting of 3-5 patients at once.  It has been established for sustainable patient care, health equity and to provide a valuable community service for patients who need to continue regular treatment but are short on time or funds, or for those who wish to give it a try but don’t want to commit yet.

History

Central Highlands Pain & Wellbeing’s Community Acupuncture service has been established since 2014, with sustainable continuity throughout the pandemic period.  Its service provision has changed from portable to a permanent and dedicated Community Acupuncture space in hygenic, washable, safe, comfortable recliner chairs in a visually pleasing and temperate environment.

When is it on?

This service runs twice weekly on Tuesdays between 2 & 4pm and Fridays between 1 & 2pm. You can book online at the bookings page.

Can I also get herbs at my Community session?

Central Highlands Pain & Wellbeing provides a lower cost range of pre-mixed herbal formulae that has been created with Community Acupuncture patients in mind. Due to a large number of patients needing care at the same time, there is not usually enough time to make individually mixed herbs at a Community Acupuncture session. If you require individually mixed herbs, please book a private herbal medicine consultation. If your herbal prescription is a repeat, which means it is stable and does not need to be modified via consultation, herbs can be ordered the day before the session you plan to attend with an additional $25 dispensing fee incurred.

How long does it take?

If you go to the bookings page you will notice that you can book in for your spot at 10 minute intervals to join the other 2 people in the group for your half hour session. That way, sessions overlap and we get a group experience. The half hour usually involves 5 minutes of consultation, 5 minutes for us to put the pins in, and 2-3 minutes to remove at the end of the session. If there is space we can sometimes retain the pins for up to 40 minutes. If you need to leave at a specific time please let us know before we start.

How much does it cost?

Pricing for Community Acupuncture is ALWAYS $30, for every person, every time. Additional costs are only incurred if patients wish to purchase our house-made, pre-mixed herbal products, or patent liniments.

How do you maintain privacy?

During the session if there are others present and you prefer not to speak about your condition in front of others, you can request that we leave the room and discuss your case in the privacy of a separate treatment room.

Can I claim on private health?

You can claim via our HICAPS facility on private health insurance if you are covered for acupuncture services and have enough benefits left. We are not able to find out what the exact amount will be so it is best that you contact your fund and request information about your claim.

Can I pre-book multiple appointments?

You can, but you need to make sure you show up to them. Late cancellation fees do not apply to Community Acupuncture, however the “3 strikes, you’re out” rule is in effect. If you miss 3 or more appointments in a 30 day period you will have to drop by on the day and see if there is a seat available for you to allow for others to access the service if you dont’ turn up.