Fees and insurance

How much does acupuncture cost?

Service	Length	Fee
First visit: initial examination + first acupuncture treatment	about 1 hr 15 min	$230 ($110 + $120)
Initial examination (includes pulse assessment)	part of the first visit	$110
Acupuncture treatment (follow-up)	about 30 min	$120
Re-examination (includes pulse diagnosis)	—	$75
Medical pulse diagnosis	—	$75
Weekly TCM herbal refill (powder or pills)	1 week	$70
Dietary consultation	—	$150

No HST is charged on acupuncture. We tell you the cost of any treatment plan before you start it, and you can stop at any time.

What happens at the first visit?

An initial examination, then your first acupuncture treatment: $230 in total, about 1 hour 15 minutes. It is a full appointment with Dalibor Covic, R.TCMP, in three parts.

1. We listen. A conversation about what brought you in, your medical history, medications, sleep, digestion and stress. Bring a list of your medications.
2. We assess. A TCM pulse assessment and a physical check where it helps, so Dalibor can explain the pattern behind your symptoms in plain terms.
3. We treat and plan. Your first acupuncture treatment, then a plan: how many sessions, how often, what else might help (such as herbal medicine), and what it will cost.

After that, each follow-up acupuncture treatment is $120.

Is acupuncture covered by insurance?

Not by OHIP. But many extended health plans through work or a private policy cover treatment by a Registered TCM Practitioner, usually up to a set amount per year. Plans usually cover the initial examination and acupuncture treatments. Herbs, dietary consultations and pulse diagnosis are usually not covered.

We bill these insurers directly: Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life (including Great-West Life plans and the federal PSHCP), Green Shield Canada, Desjardins, iA Financial Group, Empire Life, Equitable Life, Beneva (including La Capitale) and Medavie Blue Cross. We also bill many plan administrators directly, including ClaimSecure, Benefit Plan Administrators, Johnston Group (Chambers of Commerce plan), People Corp, Manion, GroupHEALTH, Johnson Inc. and the LIUNA Local 183 and 506 plans. For any other insurer, you pay at the visit and we give you an invoice to submit for reimbursement. Every invoice shows Dalibor's name, his R.TCMP designation and his CTCMPAO registration number, #5076, which insurers ask for.

We can't see from our system whether your plan covers acupuncture or how much is left for the year. Please check with your insurer before your first visit: how much it covers per year, whether it needs a doctor's referral, and whether the practitioner must be an R.Ac or R.TCMP.

How do I pay?

You pay at the end of each visit, by credit card, cash or e-transfer.

What if I need to cancel?

Please give at least 24 hours' notice by phone or text at 647-342-2281. There is no cancellation fee. The notice lets us offer the time to someone else.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture done by a registered practitioner with sterile, single-use needles is generally low-risk. Some people have mild soreness, a small bruise or feel tired after a session. Tell us if you are pregnant, take blood thinners, have a pacemaker or a bleeding disorder, or take regular medication. Acupuncture works alongside the care you get from your doctor, not instead of it.

Ready to book?

The clinic is at Unit 229, 1550 Enterprise Road, Mississauga, ON L4W 4P4, with free parking, about 20 minutes from Etobicoke. Book your first visit online, or read more about Dalibor first.

Common questions

What does the first visit cost?

$230 in total: an initial examination ($110) followed by your first acupuncture treatment ($120), about 1 hour 15 minutes. Follow-up treatments are $120 each.

Is acupuncture covered by my insurance?

Many extended health plans cover the initial examination and acupuncture by a Registered TCM Practitioner, usually up to a yearly limit. Herbs, dietary consultations and pulse diagnosis are usually not covered. We can't see your plan's coverage from our system, so please check with your insurer before your visit. OHIP does not cover acupuncture.

Which insurers do you bill directly?

Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life (including Great-West Life plans), Green Shield Canada, Desjardins, iA Financial Group, Empire Life, Equitable Life, Beneva and Medavie Blue Cross, plus many plan administrators such as ClaimSecure, Benefit Plan Administrators, Johnston Group and People Corp. For other insurers, you pay at the visit and we give you an invoice to submit for reimbursement.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Most people feel a quick pinch as the needle goes in, then a dull ache, warmth or heaviness around the point. The needles are much finer than the ones used for injections. Tell Dalibor if anything feels sharp and he will adjust or remove the needle.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on the problem and how long you have had it. After your first visit Dalibor gives you an estimate and the total cost, and he reviews progress with you after the first few sessions.

How long is a visit?

A first visit with the initial examination and your first acupuncture treatment on the same day takes about 1 hour 15 minutes in total. A follow-up acupuncture treatment takes about 30 minutes, with the needles in for 20 to 30 minutes.

What should I wear?

Loose, comfortable clothing you can roll up past the elbows and knees. Many of the points Dalibor uses are on the forearms and lower legs. If other areas need treatment, you will be covered with a sheet.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can book directly. Some insurance plans ask for a doctor's note before they pay, so check your plan. We encourage you to keep your family doctor informed.