New Patients

Welcome to Mend Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine!

We’re excited to partner with you on your journey to better health. As a new patient, we understand you may have questions about what to expect before, during, and after your first treatment. This page is designed to provide all the essential information you need to feel prepared and confident when you visit us. Below, you’ll find helpful resources, including a new patient video, frequently asked questions, and important details about completing your paperwork and navigating insurance. We’re here to support you every step of the way!

Prepare for Your First Visit

To make your first appointment as smooth as possible, we offer digital intake paperwork that you can complete at your convenience. Simply follow these steps:

  • 1
    Click the button below to access our patient portal.
  • 2
    Once there, click the “Create new account” link located beneath the sign-in form.
  • 3
    Fill out the short New Registration form with your details.
  • 4
    After submitting the form, you’ll be taken to a Sign-In screen where you’ll use the credentials you just created.
  • 5

    Once signed in, you’ll find all of the digital forms required. To get started, click the “Fill Out” button next to each form. (You also have the option to print and download each form for your records.)

We kindly ask that you complete the paperwork at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. This allows Dr. West ample time to review your information and create a personalized treatment plan before your visit. If you prefer to complete the paperwork in person, please arrive at least 20 minutes before your appointment to allow sufficient time for this process.

If you have any relevant blood work or imaging results, please upload them securely through our patient portal or bring them with you to your appointment. These documents can provide valuable insights that will assist Dr. West in her diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Acupuncture FAQs

At Mend Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, we understand that trying acupuncture for the first time can raise a lot of questions. Whether you’re curious about how the treatment works, what to expect during a session, or how to prepare, we’re here to provide clear answers. Below, you’ll find responses to some of the most common questions we receive, helping to ease any concerns and ensure you feel comfortable and informed before your first visit. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Generally, there is no pain. Different sensations can be felt as the points are stimulated. The needles are solid and about the diameter of hair. We carefully talk you through the process, especially for anyone who has never had a treatment before. We buy the highest quality needles in order to ensure painless insertion and comfort to our patients.

The first treatment includes an exam in which we will carefully go over your intake and any health concerns you have.  Your physical exam may include checking your blood pressure, examining any area of concern, tongue and pulse diagnosis.  After the acupuncture needles (or “pins”) are in place, you will then listen to music (or silence) and enjoy the down time while your body responds to the pins.

  • First session will last up to 1.5 hours long
  • Follow-up treatments will last 45 minutes – 1 hour

The needles will typically be in place for 20-30 minutes.

Once you have been properly diagnosed during your first exam, you will be recommended a treatment plan specific to address your needs. This is will include frequency and duration. The goal is to not under-treat or over-treat. It will be important to follow the treatment plan to get the most out of the healing process.

Bruising is the most common side effect. Please be sure to have eaten a small snack before your treatment to avoid any dizziness after a treatment.

Never. All of our needles are individually wrapped and sterilized for single-use only. Acupuncture needles are considered a surgical device and is regulated by the FDA.

It is best to wear lose fitting clothes, however if you don’t, we will be able to provides sheets to allow us to access the areas we need to while still keeping you covered as much as possible. It is best to eat a small meal or snack at least 1 hour before your appointment.

Insurance Information

At Mend Acupuncture, we operate as a time-of-service practice, meaning payment is due in full at the time of your appointment. While we do not bill health insurance or participate as an in-network provider, many patients with out-of-network acupuncture benefits are eligible to seek reimbursement through their insurance provider.

If your plan offers out-of-network benefits, we’re happy to provide you with a superbill, which you can submit for reimbursement. Please let us know before your first visit if you’d like to receive superbills, and we’ll ensure they are prepared promptly following your treatments.