Services - Payment

Insurance Billing

Yes, we are accepting new patients for acupuncture and Eastern Medicine appointments.

We are in network with many insurance plans including Triwest, Kaiser, Regence, First Choice, United Healthcare, Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and others.

We may accept L&I at this location in the near future. We may take PIP per our discretion. We are no longer accepting Humana plans, Cascade plans, or United Health Medicare advantage plans. We are not accepting new massage patients or referrals for massage. 

Please contact us for more information as needed and check with your insurance provider to ensure your provider is in-network and acupuncture is a covered benefit. If your provider is in-network you are responsible for your copay and other fees as determined by your insurance plan and our clinic will bill your insurance. 

A full list of our services and fees can be found in the patient portal paperwork.

Please ask your insurance these questions:

   -- Is Kerry Dyer LAC , located in Olympia, WA an in-network provider on your network. Verify this location.

   -- How many visits do you get a year

   -- Do you need a referral

   -- What can the acupuncture appointments be used for (low back pain, headache, etc if medically necessary)

   -- What is your remaining deductible

   -- What is your copay or co-insurance

   -- Are acupuncture visit limits combined with other modalities (chiropractic, massage etc)

   -- Can acupuncture services be delivered by a licensed acupuncturist

 You must bring in Identification and insurance card at the time of visit. It is best to fill out paperwork online in the Patient Portal, but forms are available onsite.

Acupuncture and Acupressure

Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used forms of medicine in the world. Originating in China more than 2,500 years ago, acupuncture is currently one of the most thoroughly researched, practiced, and respected forms of complementary medicine available anywhere.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, your overall health is determined by the quality of the Qi (energy) flow through the natural pathways of your body (meridians). Acupuncture uses a variety of techniques, including placing very thin sterile needles into specific points on the body, to stimulate and improve your Qi flow. Non-insertive techniques using a teishin may also be used. The many benefits of acupuncture may include:

• Pain reduction
• Stress and tension relief
• Increased energy levels
• Improved digestion
• Greater sense of overall health and well-being

New patient acupuncture visits often take 75 to 90 minutes and include an intake as well as a treatment. Follow up visits typically last 30 to 60 minutes, but may be longer depending on a person's need. Please wear comfortable loose clothing to your visit, such as a tank top and elastic sweatpants or shorts. Please eat prior to your treatment and stay hydrated throughout the day. Please contact us if questions or concerns arise.

Bodywork / Cupping / Gua Sha / Scraping

We may offer manual therapy or massage in conjunction with acupuncture and/or Eastern medicine appointments. Techniques include but are not limited to: Swedish, myofascial release, PNF techniques, acupressure, cupping, gua sha, gentle Tuina. Patients seeking bodywork sessions longer than 30 minutes may be encouraged to find a Licensed Massage Therapist offering longer appointments. Please speak to your provider if you have any questions regarding bodywork.

Cupping

Cupping has been a part of Chinese Medicine and other traditional medicines for over 2,500 years. Cupping may help decrease aches and pains, increase circulation, and help with other concerns such as respiratory and digestive issues. During cupping we simply place a specialized "cup" onto specific areas of the body and use suction to draw your skin up into the cups. Oil or lotion may also be used to move the cups. Cupping can create red patches of skin (called "sha"), increasing circulation and restoring the flow of Qi (energy) to the area. The sha will typically fade in several days. If you have more questions on this modality you may ask your provider.

Gua Sha / Scraping

Although Gua Sha is an ancient healing technique used by Chinese Medicine practitioners for thousands of years, it is relatively unknown in the West. It is recognized throughout Asia as a highly effective treatment for chronic pain conditions, stress, fatigue, and a host of other ailments.

During gua sha, oil or lotion is applied to a specific meridian (energy pathway) on your body. Then a smooth round-edged object (such as a spoon, lid, stone) is applied or scraped in short brisk strokes over the area. This creates red patches of skin (called "sha"), increasing circulation and restoring the flow of Qi (energy) to the area. The sha will typically fade in several days. 

Relaxation and Movement - Yoga, Qigong, Meditation

Relaxation and movement techniques can support mindful relaxation, a more balanced response to stress, chronic illness management, and a decrease in pain. 

Our clinic utilizes techniques to support the whole person. These include accessible, gentle, beginner, trauma informed approaches in the treatment room using seated, standing, or reclined positions. Telehealth is also available.

We offer: Vinyasa yoga; Svastha yoga approach to movement and breathwork; restorative asanas; qigong; Yoga Nidra; pranayama or other breathwork; and other techniques. 

Qigong and yoga are a lifetime practice, a way to ride the turbulent waves of life, a way to maintain or return to health with a focus on longevity, compassion, kindness, and healing. There are many forms of qigong and yoga and many lineages. Both may include physical external movements in various positions or an internal visualization approach.  Research continues to build strong evidence on how meditation techniques, such as these, are able to support the body and mind. Research has shown them to be helpful for decreasing inflammation, recovery from respiratory illnesses, and much more. Qigong and yoga may be taught in several 30 or 60 minute sessions or when time allows during onsite or telehealth appointments. Group classes are not offered at this time. Most insurance plans do not typically cover qi-gong or yoga only appointments. If you are interested in a qi-gong or yoga appointment please talk to your provider or clinic staff.

Eastern Medicine Herbs and Dietary Advice ( including TCM )

TCM, Western, and Eastern herbal medicine is a 2,000 year old tradition using naturally occurring substances — including herbs — to enhance one's health and vitality. The foundation of this approach is to support the body's natural self-healing mechanisms and abilities. Since each patient has different needs, your provider carefully selects and combines a variety of herbs and/or suggests supplements that will synergistically blend together to achieve optimal results for your unique situation. We prescribe high-quality, professional-grade herbal medicines or supplements that are available only to qualified licensed professionals. If you are interested in or taking dietary supplements we ask you also discuss this with your primary care provider and others on your care team.

We do not carry carry dietary supplements onsite at this time. We utilize Fullscript, Mayway, China Herb Company, and possibly other dispensaries typically to direct ship to patients if needed. Many suggested supplements, herbs, food, or spices can be found locally at the Olympia Food Co-op, Radiance Apothecary, local grocery store nutrition aisles, Bucks Spices and Teas, and other stores.