Superbills: How Acupuncture Patients Can Get Reimbursed by Insurance

If you're seeing an out-of-network (OON) acupuncturist, you might be able to get reimbursed by your insurance—but you'll need a superbill to do it.

A superbill is not a bill—it’s more like an itemized receipt that contains the necessary codes and details for your insurance company to process an out-of-network claim. Instead of paying the provider directly, insurers reimburse the patient after reviewing the superbill.

How the Superbill Process Works for Acupuncture

1. Pay for Your Visit

   • Since your acupuncturist is out-of-network, you pay at the time of service.

2. Receive a Superbill

   • Your provider gives you a document listing:

     • Your info (name, date of birth, insurance ID, etc.)

     • Provider’s info (name, address, NPI number)

     • Date of service & cost

     • Diagnosis codes (ICD-10) – These tell the insurer why you received treatment.

     • Procedure codes (CPT codes) – These describe the acupuncture services performed.

3. Submit to Your Insurance

   • Find your insurer’s OON claims submission process (usually online, by fax, or by mail).

   • Fill out any required forms and attach the superbill.

   • Here is the process for United Healthcare.

4. Wait for Reimbursement

   • If your plan has OON benefits, you may receive partial reimbursement (depending on your deductible and coverage).

   • If the claim is denied or underpaid, you can appeal or refile.

Why This Matters

• Many patients don’t realize their insurance covers out-of-network acupuncture.

• Some plans reimburse up to 80% of the treatment cost once your OON deductible is met.

• Submitting a superbill could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars per year!

Pro Tip: If your claim gets denied for a small error (like a missing code), fix it and resubmit—many claims are approved after minor corrections.

Acupuncture is an investment in your health, and using a superbill can help lower your out-of-pocket costs. If you’re unsure about your out-of-network benefits, check with your insurer or ask your provider for guidance.

If you need a superbill for your treatment, just ask— it’s easy for me to provide one.