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coverage
Does TRICARE cover acupuncture?
Verified by TRICARE.com Editorial Team
Updated 2024-12-01
AI-assisted (gemini)
Quick Answer
TRICARE covers acupuncture for chronic pain only. Treatment must be provided by a licensed practitioner and meet specific criteria.
Key Takeaways
- Chronic pain only
- Prior authorization needed
- Session limits apply
- Not for wellness
Detailed Answer
Acupuncture coverage is limited to specific conditions.
What's Covered
- Chronic low back pain
- Specific conditions only
- Licensed practitioners
- Limited number of sessions
Requirements
- Chronic pain diagnosis
- Other treatments tried
- Licensed acupuncturist
- Authorization required
Limitations
- Number of sessions capped
- Not for general wellness
- Specific conditions only
- Must meet medical necessity
Not Covered
- Preventive acupuncture
- Weight loss
- General wellness
- Non-chronic conditions
How to Access
- Referral from provider
- Prior authorization
- Network practitioner
- Document treatment failure