Acupuncture for Chronic Lower Back Pain (cLBP)

Medicare covers acupuncture for chronic lower back pain (cLBP) — defined as nonspecific low back pain lasting 12 weeks or longer and not related to systemic disease, surgery, or pregnancy — for eligible beneficiaries. Coverage is limited to up to 12 visits in 90 days with up to 8 additional sessions (maximum 20 per year) if the patient shows improvement; all other indications (including dry needling) are non-covered. Provider credentialing, state licensure, supervision requirements, and documentation of duration and clinical improvement must be maintained.

"Acupuncture is covered for Medicare beneficiaries with chronic lower back pain (cLBP) defined as low back pain lasting 12 weeks or longer, nonspecific (no identifiable systemic cause such as metast..."

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