Hillsboro Acupuncture and Herb Clinic

How to prepare your first visit

Please download and fill out our new patient form to bring with you for your first appointment. (Click here to download our new patient form)

Additional information including prescription medications, name and address of previous physicians and any pertinent records will help us give you the best care possible.

If you have insurance with acupuncture benefits, please bring your insurance card and a photo ID to your appointment.

If you have any questions about these forms, please call us at (503) 648-3236 and one of our staff members will be happy to help you.

Be sure to give yourself ample time to arrive at your appintment on time.  

Please notify our office at least 24 hours in advance if you are unable to keep your appointment. A fee may be charged for late cancellations or missed appointments.

To prepare for your acupuncture treatment, we suggest you do the following on the day of your appointment:

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easier access to acupuncture points. Patients who wear clothing that can be pulled up to the knees and above the elbows often do not need to change clothes for the treatment.
• Do not eat an unusually large or heavy meal immediately before or after your treatment, but do not arrive hungry.
• Do not over exercise or consume alcoholic beverages within six hours before or after the treatment. Abuse of drugs or alcohol prior to treatment could interfere with the effectiveness of your acupuncture treatment.
• Do not wear colone or too much make-up because smell and inspecting complexion is essential parts of Chinese medical diagnosis.
• Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular doctor.
• Remember to keep good mental or written notes of your response to the treatment and share them with your acupuncturist.

First Visit

An initial consultation generally takes 60-90 minutes. The first 30 - 45minutes of the session involves an in-depth interview, during which time the practitioner discusses with patients regarding their main complaints,and gathers basic information such as medical history, health concerns,dietary habits and lifestyle.

During the interview, various physical examinations may be performed depending on the patient's existing condition. Besides traditional pulse and tongue diagnosis, analysis of the patient body structure and the palpation of various parts of body including abdomen are the unique means of diagnosis utilized at Hillsboro Acupuncture and Herb Clinic. These procedures help the practitioner understand the patient's present condition as well as the underlying imbalances of bodily function.

After interview and examination, 20- 45 minutes treatment may be administered according to the findings and diagnosis. Most patients report that the treatments are comfortable and deeply relaxing. Many patients who come for pain relief surprise how quickly their pain diminish.

Follow-up visits

Follow-up visits generally take 30-60 minutes. Treatment sessions typically begin with a basic charting of changes in the patient's condition observed since the previous session. The practitioner may also review the effects of herbal prescription, dietary, and lifestyle changes. This brief discussion is then followed with acupuncture treatment.

Herbal Consultations and Prescriptions

For patients who do not wish to have acupuncture treatment, herbal prescriptions are available without acupuncture. A consultation session for herbal therapy is performed in the same manner as a regular consultation session with in-depth interview and various physical examinations only without acupuncture, after which patients receive Chinese herbs. Patient's schedule for herbal consultation will be typically once a week or twice a month depending on the condition.

Insurance

A growing number of insurance companies provide acupuncture benefits. If you have a health insurance plan that covers acupuncture, we are willing to bill your insurance company on your behalf for the treatments you receive at our clinic. In this case, you will be responsible for paying the office visit co-payment or co-insurance. Please note that your insurance does not cover missed appointment fees. Call our office at (503) 648-3236 for more information.