Dr. Benjamin H. Krasne, M.D.
Board-certified physicianBoard-certified in anesthesiology, he reads medications and metabolism with a pharmacologist's eye, which shapes how he doses weight loss and longevity care.
Find out if acupuncture fits you
Acupuncture referral online from a licensed clinician
Acupuncture has to happen in person, so we don't do it online. For $49, a licensed clinician reviews whether it makes sense for you and refers you to a licensed acupuncturist where you live.
- $49 clinician visit and referral
- 5–10 minutes by phone or video
- Referral to a local licensed acupuncturist
Free to book. You pay only if you go ahead with treatment.
$49one-time
Licensed U.S. clinician review
Visit: Phone or video, 5–10 minutes
$49transparent price
5–10 minphone or video
No insuranceneeded
LicensedU.S. clinicians
Why get an acupuncture referral through My IV Doctors
Evidence-based advice
Your clinician explains where research suggests acupuncture may help and where it shows little benefit, so you can decide if sessions are worth your time.
Quick, no-travel visit
Talk with a licensed U.S. clinician for 5–10 minutes by phone or video, at a time you choose, without sitting in a waiting room.
A local practitioner
If acupuncture is a reasonable option, you get a referral to a licensed acupuncturist where you live, plus tips for checking credentials and cost.
Honest when it isn't right
If your symptoms need a different kind of care first, your clinician will say so instead of sending you to sessions that may not help.
How to get an acupuncture referral online
- 1
Book a telehealth visit
Choose a time online and pay the $49 fee. No insurance is needed for this visit.
- 2
Talk with a licensed clinician
In 5–10 minutes by phone or video, the clinician asks about your symptoms, medical history and medicines, including blood thinners, and whether you're pregnant.
- 3
Get your acupuncture referral
If acupuncture is a sensible option, you receive a referral to a licensed acupuncturist near you and tips on choosing a practitioner.
- 4
Book sessions locally
You schedule and pay for acupuncture directly with the practice. Ask them about cost, session plans and whether your insurance covers treatment.
- 5
Keep your care team updated
Message the care team if your symptoms change. Let both your clinician and your acupuncturist know about all treatments you're using.
Who an acupuncture referral is for
Back or neck pain
Research reviewed by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health suggests acupuncture may help with back and neck pain.
Knee osteoarthritis
Knee pain from osteoarthritis is another area where studies suggest acupuncture may offer some relief.
Migraines and tension headaches
Some people use acupuncture to help reduce how often headaches happen, alongside other treatments.
Chemotherapy nausea
Acupuncture may help nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy. Talk with your oncology team before starting.
Unsure if acupuncture will help
If you're curious but unsure, a short visit helps you weigh the evidence for your specific problem before spending money on sessions.
Not for new or severe symptoms
New, severe or unexplained pain, numbness or weakness, or symptoms after an injury need a proper medical evaluation. Don't use acupuncture to delay seeing a doctor about a health problem.
Acupuncture referral vs. booking an acupuncturist directly
| Feature | Referral visit first | Book directly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical review of symptoms | Yes, by a licensed U.S. clinician | Varies by practice |
| Evidence check for your condition | Included | — |
| Cost | $49 visit and referral, then session fees | Session fees only |
| Where treatment happens | In person, local acupuncturist | In person, local acupuncturist |
| Help vetting credentials | Included | — |
What is an acupuncture referral?
Acupuncture involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body. It comes from traditional Chinese medicine and is now studied widely in Western research. Because it requires a practitioner to place needles by hand, it can't be done over a video call, and we don't offer acupuncture treatment ourselves.
What we do offer is the step before it. In a short telehealth visit, a licensed clinician talks with you about your symptoms, your health history and what you've already tried. If acupuncture is a reasonable option, you get a referral to a licensed acupuncturist in your area, plus guidance on what to ask and what to expect. If it isn't a good fit, or your symptoms need a different kind of care first, the clinician will tell you.
The $49 covers the telehealth visit and the referral. Your acupuncture sessions are booked and paid for directly with the acupuncturist you choose, and their prices vary by location and practice.
What acupuncture can help: the evidence
Acupuncture works better for some problems than others. According to NCCIH, research suggests it may help with several types of pain and a few other conditions, while for others the evidence is weak or shows no clear benefit over sham (fake) acupuncture. Your clinician will use this kind of evidence to help you decide whether sessions are worth your time and money.
- May help: back and neck pain, knee osteoarthritis, postoperative pain, migraine and tension headaches
- May help: nausea and vomiting from cancer treatment, seasonal allergy symptoms, stress urinary incontinence in women
- Unclear or low-quality evidence: sciatica, fibromyalgia, depression
- No clear benefit over sham in studies: irritable bowel syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, IVF pregnancy rates, quitting smoking
How to choose an acupuncturist and what sessions cost
Most states license acupuncturists, but the rules vary from state to state. Before your first session, confirm the practitioner holds a current license where they practice, ask about their training and experience with your condition, and check that they use sterile, single-use needles.
Insurance coverage for acupuncture varies a great deal. NCCIH notes that Medicare covers acupuncture only for chronic low back pain. Some private plans cover more, so call your insurer before you book. The practice can tell you their session fees up front.
What to expect at an acupuncture session
At your first appointment, the acupuncturist will ask about your health and goals. You'll lie or sit comfortably while they insert thin needles at selected points, then leave them in place for a while as you rest. Most people feel a brief prick or dull ache, and some feel very little.
Practitioners often suggest a series of sessions and then reassess. If you aren't noticing any change after a fair trial, it's reasonable to stop and talk with your clinician about other approaches.
Acupuncture side effects and safety
Serious problems from acupuncture are relatively uncommon when it's done by a trained practitioner using sterile needles. The FDA regulates acupuncture needles as medical devices and requires them to be sterile and labeled for single use.
- Mild soreness, minor bleeding or small bruises where needles were placed are the most common effects
- Improper technique or non-sterile needles can cause infections, punctured organs or nerve injury, so choose a licensed practitioner
- Tell your acupuncturist if you take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder
- Let them know if you're pregnant, since some points are avoided in pregnancy
- Tell all your health care providers about acupuncture and any other complementary treatments you use
Physicians who oversee your care
Independently licensed U.S. physicians supervise every treatment we offer.
Dr. Johnathan Chance Miller, M.D.
PhysicianTrained at Columbia and Washington University, he pairs prescriptions with practical habits around food, training and sleep.
Dr. Vanessa Niles, R.N., M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
OB-GYN, board certifiedAn OB-GYN for more than 40 years and a Fellow of ACOG, she leads women's health care, from perimenopause to PCOS.
Acupuncture referral FAQs
Still deciding? The first consultation is free and takes about 5–10 minutes.
Book a free consultationCan I get acupuncture online?
No. Acupuncture requires a practitioner to place needles in person. We provide a telehealth visit with a licensed clinician and a referral to a licensed acupuncturist near you.
What does the $49 acupuncture referral cover?
It covers your 5–10 minute telehealth visit with a licensed clinician and the referral to a local acupuncturist. Acupuncture sessions are paid separately to the practitioner.
How much do acupuncture sessions cost?
Prices depend on the practice and your area. Ask the acupuncturist for their fees before your first session, and check whether your insurance covers any of it.
Will insurance pay for acupuncture?
Coverage varies widely. Medicare covers acupuncture only for chronic low back pain, and some private plans cover more. Call your insurer to find out what your plan includes.
Is acupuncture painful?
The needles are very thin. Most people feel a quick prick or a dull ache when a needle is placed, and some feel almost nothing.
Is acupuncture safe?
It's generally safe when done by a trained, licensed practitioner using sterile, single-use needles. Serious complications are uncommon but can happen with improper technique.
What conditions can acupuncture treat?
Research suggests it may help back and neck pain, knee osteoarthritis pain, migraine and tension headaches, and nausea from cancer treatment. For some other conditions the evidence is weak.
Can acupuncture help with fertility or IVF?
NCCIH reports that studies haven't shown acupuncture improves IVF pregnancy rates compared with sham treatment. Some people still use it for comfort during treatment. Talk with your fertility team first.
Will acupuncture help me quit smoking or lose weight?
Evidence doesn't show a clear benefit for quitting smoking, and acupuncture isn't a proven weight loss treatment. Your clinician can suggest options with stronger evidence.
How many acupuncture sessions are typical?
It varies by person and condition. Practitioners often recommend a series and then reassess. If you're not seeing any change after a fair trial, discuss next steps with your clinician.
Is acupuncture the same as dry needling?
No. Both use thin needles, but dry needling is usually done by physical therapists targeting tight muscle spots, while acupuncture follows traditional Chinese medicine points.
How do I know an acupuncturist is qualified?
Check that they hold a current license in their state, since requirements differ. Ask about their training and experience with your condition, and whether they use sterile, single-use needles.
Can you get acupuncture on blood thinners?
Often yes, with care. Tell both your clinician and your acupuncturist about any blood thinners or bleeding problems so they can adjust their approach.
Is the acupuncture referral available in my state?
The telehealth visit is available online, and licensed acupuncturists practice across the U.S. Whether there's a practitioner near you depends on your area.
Get your acupuncture referral for $49
Book a 5–10 minute phone or video visit, talk through your symptoms with a licensed clinician and leave with a clear answer and, if it fits, a local referral.
Related services
References
Medically reviewed October 2026. This page is general information and not a substitute for advice from your own clinician. Read our editorial policy.
$49one-time
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