What does an acupuncturist do?
An acupuncturist treats pain and other symptoms by placing thin needles at points on the body. Coverage for acupuncture varies by plan, and many plans do not cover it.
Last updated November 11, 2026
When people see one
- You have chronic pain such as back pain or headaches.
- You want a non-drug option alongside your regular care.
- Your plan lists acupuncture as a covered benefit.
How it differs
Chiropractor: A chiropractor adjusts the spine and joints. An acupuncturist uses needles at points on the body.
Pain medicine doctor: A pain medicine doctor is a medical doctor who can prescribe and perform procedures. An acupuncturist does not prescribe medication.
On 2027 Colorado plans
Do you need a referral? Plan filings list referral rules only for specialists. Some plans need a doctor's order or prior approval for this care, so check the plan's summary of benefits.
What a visit costs (the plan's filed "Acupuncture" benefit, in network, before any extra savings on silver plans):
- Bronze: $25 to $100 a visit on 14 of 56 plans; on the other 42, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Silver: $5 to $90 a visit on 27 of 58 plans; on the other 31, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Gold: $10 to $55 a visit on 18 of 30 plans; on the other 12, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
In-network care costs less. Out-of-network visits on an HMO or EPO usually aren't covered except in an emergency.
In Colorado
Public records list 1,014 acupuncturists at 833 Colorado locations. Colorado shows 2,931 active licenses of this kind, including people who don't see patients or work out of state.
- Boulder County: 168 locations
- Denver County: 160 locations
- Jefferson County: 105 locations
- Arapahoe County: 78 locations
- Larimer County: 60 locations
- El Paso County: 43 locations
Counties with the fewest: Rio Blanco (1), Park (1), Ouray (1), Morgan (1), Moffat (1). 28 counties have none.
Questions to ask the office
- Are you taking new patients?
- Do you bill my 2027 plan? Which plan and network name do you use?
- How many visits does my plan cover, and do I need a referral?
- How long is the wait for a first appointment?