Information for referrers
Referring to Kate Roberts at Bendy Buddha for Traditional Acupuncture services
- Directly via the listing in SR Specialist and Referrals
- Directly via HealthLink
- Patients can also be directed to the online booking system Book Now
Health professionals can refer to Kate in the following ways;
Why choose Traditional Acupuncture?
Traditional acupuncture is a safe, relatively low-cost therapy with a developing evidence base. It can be considered in situations where patients have chronic or acute pain, complex conditions, do not respond to medications, or when side effects of medications or secondary care options make standard care unsuitable.
Traditional acupuncture can also be considered as a legitimate alternative or adjunct to those suffering mental health conditions who have a preference for this as a treatment option, are non-responsive to pharmacological agents, non-compliant or suffer side effects.
Funding options for treatment
The cost of treatment can be a significant concern for many, however, there are some funding options available to help.
WINZ support
With a referral from a GP, those who are registered with Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) may be eligible for some assistance with payment for treatment.
Bendy Buddha is registered as a supplier with Work and Income, patients will need to discuss assistance with their Case Manager and supply the supplier details listed below.
ACC
Currently to get funding from ACC for Chinese medicine treatment, patients will need an accepted ACC45. This entitles patients to funded for Chinese medicine for up to 12 sessions over 12 weeks. In 2021 ACC conducted a review of the evidence on acupuncture for the treatment of injuries and found acupuncture to be most effective to reduce pain and improve outcomes for these conditions in the short to medium term (6-12 weeks). Whilst the impact of acupuncture on the treatment of injuries over longer periods, or for chronic conditions, wasn’t studied, this supports the use of acupuncture in the early stages of recovery.
Private Health Insurance rebates
Many private health insurers (including Accuro, NIB, Southern Cross and Unimed) offer full or partial reimbursed for Acupuncture services. Patients should consult their insurance company's guidelines to determine if acupuncture is included in the benefits. They may need a referral from their GP to be eligible. The insurance provider may first check that the acupuncturist is registered with the Chinese Medicine Council of NZ and within their insurance network.