Date:
25 April 2024
Page URL:
https://www.barnsleyccg.nhs.uk/acupuncture.htm?pr=
Acupuncture is a treatment derived from ancient Chinese medicine. Fine needles are inserted into certain sections of the body for therapeutic or preventative purposes. Acupuncture is often seen as a form of complementary or alternative medicine (CAM).
Does it work?
Research shows that this intervention is not an effective treatment, except for chronic tension type headaches and migraine
How can I be referred?
As the intervention is ineffective, it is not routinely commissioned by the NHS. This means that it won’t be routinely funded.
However, if your Doctor thinks that you may benefit from this intervention, they can apply to the Individual Funding Request (IFR) panel. The IFR panel will then assess the application and make a decision about your treatment.
The IFR panel meets weekly and aims to consider cases within 14days. The panel’s decision will be communicated to you by letter if you are an adult or by letter to your GP if you are the guardian of a child applying for funding.
If your IFR application is rejected (meaning that your surgery will not be funded by the NHS), then you or your GP has the right to appeal to the IFR panel against this decision within 90days. The panel is independent to your local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
Get Fit First
The Get Fit First policy also applies to this intervention. For further information please see the Get Fit First page.