Examining insurance coverage for acupuncture therapy
Official title: Insurance Coverage for Acupuncture
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10911115 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how insurance coverage influences whether people with chronic low back pain can get acupuncture treatment, aiming to help improve access to this alternative pain relief option.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $158,971 |
| NIH project number | 5K01AT011776-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10911115 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with chronic low back pain who are considering or currently using acupuncture as a treatment option.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chronic low back pain or those who are not interested in acupuncture therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how insurance coverage affects access to acupuncture therapy for patients with chronic low back pain. By analyzing both quantitative claims data and qualitative patient interviews, the study aims to identify trends in acupuncture use and the characteristics of patients who seek this treatment. The ultimate goal is to inform insurance design to improve access to effective pain management alternatives, especially in light of the opioid crisis. The research will focus on understanding the impact of cost-sharing mechanisms like copays and deductibles on patients' decisions to use acupuncture.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved insurance coverage for acupuncture, making it more accessible and affordable for patients suffering from chronic low back pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that improving insurance coverage for alternative therapies like acupuncture can enhance patient access and outcomes, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Candon, Molly — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Candon, Molly
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.