Developments in the Field of Acupuncture

Trends  

In 2007, adults in the United States spent $33.9 billion out-of-pocket on visits to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners and purchases of CAM products, classes, and materials for self-care. Nearly one-third of this out-of-pocket spending was to pay for CAM practitioner costs (see figure below.) Further, according to this government survey, the number of visits to acupuncturists rose 32% between 2002 and 2007. Also, nearly 12% of the out-of-pocket money was specifically spent on yoga, Tai chi and Qi gong for self-care (see figure below). Link to the press release: http://nccam.nih.gov/news/2009/073009.htm National Health Statistics Reports (NHSR), (Number 18, July 30, 2009) as well as the earlier, NHSR (Number 12, December 10, 2008).

Legislative Efforts

The AAAOM is strengthening its new alliance with the National Foundation of Women Legislators (NFWL), which represents America’s 2146 elected women legislators. These women either chair or constitute a majority on the health committees of all 50 state legislatures. There are now 17 women U.S. Senators and 73 Congresswomen in the U.S. House of Representatives. The group made this resolution at their annual meeting in New Mexico over Labor Day weekend:

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the National Foundation for Women Legislators Healthcare & Empowerment Policy Committee, that Congress should ensure that licensed acupuncture practitioners are included as providers in all government insurance programs and health delivery programs;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the National Foundation for Women Legislators Healthcare & Empowerment Policy Committee, that all 50 states governments, territories, and tribal communities are urged to license the practice of acupuncture and Oriental herbal medicine or improve their licensure guidelines to encourage a broader scope of practice.

The connection between the AAAOM and the NFWL, was facilitated by Washington, D.C. lobbyists Sam Brunelli and Beth Clay. With their help the AAAOM has increased Congressional sponsorship of the Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act (HR 646) from 15 to 29 Representatives. Sam and Beth have received over 30,000 letters from patients in support of HR 646 to deliver to members of Congress and the Senate.