Scheduling

While we understand that online scheduling can be convenient in many instances, we do not offer that. We have found that Dr. Mandi (D.Ac) assessing your case and how much time could be required for your treatment allows us to maintain a proper schedule, ensuring each person has the time they need and reducing the potential for us to run behind. You may leave a voicemail or email us to call you if it is after hours or if we are with other patients.  We are regularly booked 6-8 weeks out for a new patient appointment but have a waitlist system. 

When scheduling appointments please have the following available:

• Calendar
• Diagnosis or Reason you are scheduling
• Insurance card 

If Auto or Workers Compensation case

• Case manager phone #
• Address of Workers Compensation
• Authorization #
• Date of injury and location

 Your appointment time is very important to us and we will give you our undivided attention. We request your cooperation by being on time for your appointments and by having with you any forms, authorizations, identification, insurance information, and diagnostic reports that may be necessary for your visit here.

New Patients, we will ask that we put two additional treatments scheduled in the books when we schedule your first visit.  This ensures that there will be time available for you in the following week(s).  We have this practice in effect due to Dr. Mandi often being booked out several weeks ahead.  

 Albany Acupuncture Clinic requires at least a 24-hour notice from patients who find it necessary to cancel a scheduled appointment with Dr. Mandi (D.Ac.). Appointments that are not canceled 24 hours in advance will be billed $72.00 unless immediate circumstances preclude this communication. If you cancel and/or do not show for more than three appointments in a row, it is within the provider’s discretion that you may be discharged from services  Download the full policy here. 

What should I wear?  While we do have gowns and drapes if your treatment requires undressing, feel free to bring your own shorts if you prefer. Often socks and shoes are the only things removed for treatment if the point locations are easy to reach with your clothes on.

Can I eat or drink before?  Yes, please eat - just not a super heavy meal.  Water is always a good idea, we are electrical beings.  Proper hydration helps get the most out of your Acupuncture and Fascial Counterstrain Therapy treatments.  That said, caffeine scatters your Qi (I will explain) and can make you more restless during treatment. 

Does it hurt? No, it should not hurt.  Some people are more aware of their Qi sensation (de qi) in the body, but having a strong stimulation of qi at the point is not required to get the benefits of acupuncture. Often times people don't even feel me put the needles in and get great naps during their healing time with me.

Is Acupuncture part of a religion? No, it is not part of a religion, but it is thousands of years old and has been used by people who have worshipped under many different belief systems.  I do not promote any religion through acupuncture, but do suggest that people find a faith system or spiritual practice to help with stress.  Meditation is also not a religion, it is a practice of stilling oneself's internal chatter, being mindful of the act of being alive. There are many ways to meditate.

Do you clean the needles?  I use only single-use, factory sterilized needles, and follow Clean Needle Protocols. 

How long do the sessions take?  Our first visit together is pretty in-depth and it runs often 90-120 minutes depending on how complicated your history is, the breadth of your concerns, and how your meridian imbalances are.   Future appointments are usually 45-75 minutes and involve discussing prior treatment results and creating a plan for you and your body each session.  Needles are not in the entire length of times listed above. The length of treatment does vary with age, vitality, and the different modalities used as well.  Some insurances, though, only provides coverage for a certain time of acupuncture, such as 15 or 45 minutes.