DR. Sze Acupuncture & Bone-Setting Clinic
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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about our services, insurance coverage, and treatments

Insurance & Payment

Yes, we accept WCB cases.

If you\'ve been injured at work, our clinic is registered with the Workers Compensation Board of Alberta. We can provide acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine treatments as part of your recovery plan.

What you need to bring:

  • Your WCB claim number
  • Referral from your case manager (if required)
  • Any relevant medical documentation

Please contact us before your first appointment to confirm your WCB coverage details.

Yes, we accept auto insurance claims for motor vehicle accident injuries.

If you\'ve been injured in a car accident, your auto insurance may cover acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine treatments under Section B benefits (Minor Injury Cap) or as part of your rehabilitation plan.

What you need:

  • Your insurance claim number
  • Adjuster\'s contact information
  • Physician\'s referral or prescription (if required by your insurer)
  • Valid Alberta driver\'s license or ID

Direct billing: We can directly bill most major auto insurance companies. Please call us to verify if we can bill your specific insurer directly.

Treatment should begin as soon as possible after an accident for optimal recovery. Contact us to discuss your case.

Yes! Most extended health benefit plans cover acupuncture and TCM treatments.

Dr. Sze is a registered acupuncturist and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, meaning our services are typically covered under:

  • Acupuncture benefits
  • Registered massage therapy / alternative medicine
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners

Coverage varies by plan:

  • Typical coverage: $300-$1000 per year
  • Some plans combine acupuncture with other paramedical services
  • Check your policy for annual limits and per-visit maximums

How it works:

1. Pay for your treatment at the clinic
2. We provide you with a detailed receipt
3. Submit the receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement

Common insurers we work with: Manulife, Sunlife, Great-West Life, Canada Life, Blue Cross, Greenshield, and many others.

We recommend calling your insurance provider before your first visit to confirm your acupuncture coverage details.

We accept the following payment methods:

  • Cash
  • Debit card (Interac)
  • Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
  • E-transfer

Payment is due at the time of service. We will provide you with a detailed receipt for insurance reimbursement.

Appointments & Booking

You can book an appointment in three ways:

We recommend booking in advance, especially for weekend appointments. Same-day appointments may be available—please call to check.

Clinic Hours:

Monday - Friday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sunday: By appointment only

Hours may vary during holidays. Please call ahead to confirm.

We understand that life happens and schedules change. We ask that you:

  • Provide at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule
  • Call or message us as soon as you know you can\'t make your appointment

Late cancellation or no-show: Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice or missed without notification may be subject to a cancellation fee.

This policy helps us serve all our patients better by making appointment slots available to others in need.

Treatment & Services

Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable acupuncture is!

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin—much finer than injection needles. You may feel:

  • A brief, mild pinch during insertion (less than a mosquito bite)
  • A tingling, warm, or heavy sensation when the needle reaches the right depth (called "de qi"—this is a good sign!)
  • Deep relaxation during and after treatment

Many patients find acupuncture so relaxing they fall asleep during treatment. Dr. Sze uses gentle techniques and will adjust based on your comfort level.

First visit: 60-75 minutes

This includes:

  • Detailed health history and consultation
  • Physical examination and assessment
  • TCM diagnosis (tongue, pulse)
  • Treatment (acupuncture, manual therapy, etc.)
  • Treatment plan discussion

Follow-up visits: 45-60 minutes

This includes brief check-in, treatment, and any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

The number of treatments depends on several factors:

  • The nature and severity of your condition
  • How long you\'ve had the problem (acute vs. chronic)
  • Your overall health and healing capacity
  • Your lifestyle and compliance with treatment recommendations

General guidelines:

  • Acute conditions (recent injuries, sudden pain): 3-6 treatments
  • Chronic conditions (long-standing pain, ongoing issues): 8-12 treatments initially
  • Maintenance care: Monthly or as-needed sessions

Most patients notice improvement within 3-4 sessions. Dr. Sze will discuss a personalized treatment plan during your first visit.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily rolled up to expose:

  • Arms to the elbows
  • Legs to the knees
  • Access to the back (we provide gowns if needed)

Good choices: Athletic wear, loose pants, shorts, tank tops, or T-shirts

Avoid: Tight jeans, restrictive clothing, one-piece dresses (unless you bring a change of clothes)

General Questions

Yes, acupuncture is extremely safe when performed by a qualified, registered practitioner.

Dr. Sze is a registered and licensed acupuncturist with extensive training. We follow strict safety protocols:

  • All needles are sterile, single-use, and disposable
  • Proper hygiene and sterilization procedures
  • Comprehensive health screening before treatment

Acupuncture has been practiced safely for thousands of years and is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an effective treatment for numerous conditions.

Yes! Dr. Sze is fluent in:

  • English
  • Cantonese (廣東話)
  • Mandarin (普通話)

We can provide consultations and treatment explanations in the language you\'re most comfortable with.

Location: Calgary, Alberta

Our clinic is conveniently located with:

  • Easy access from major roads
  • Street parking available
  • Public transit accessible

For detailed directions and parking information, please visit our contact page or call us.

Still have questions?

We\'re here to help! Feel free to contact us directly.