In New Zealand, Informed consent is a legal obligation. Please read before your first appointment.

This page is to inform you, the patient, about acupuncture treatment, its potential benefits, and risks, so you can make an informed decision about whether to undergo acupuncture treatment. 

Your Privacy

• Your information is protected and complies with the Health Information Privacy Code (2020).
• All information shared within your appointment or via correspondence is confidential. All information collected will be held on a secure server, Cliniko.
• ​If you are receiving treatment partially funded by ACC, it is ACC’s right to request information about your treatments, which I will need to provide. Other than ACC, no information will be shared with a third party without your permission, unless required by law.
• ​Information about your treatment may be shared with other health professionals involved in your care. You will be asked for permission and have the right to refuse.

Your  Patient Rights

You have the right to:

• Receive competent compassionate care that does not discriminate.
• Know the credentials of the acupuncturist treating you.
• Participate in decisions regarding your treatment and have opportunities to ask questions.
• Refuse any procedure you are not comfortable with at any time prior, or during treatment.
• Have minimised exposure and expect that exposure will be covered with clean towels or blankets.
• Have family or support person/s with you.
• Receive access to your clinical file, with written permission from you.
• Lodge a complaint with the Chinese Medicine Council of New Zealand, or the Health and Disability Commission, regarding any instance of professional negligence, injury, or any concerns you may have regarding the care received. 

Patient Responsibilities

• Communicate with the acupuncturist: Let the acupuncturist know if you feel pain or discomfort.
• Provide your acupuncturist with comprehensive and accurate details regarding your personal health, medical history, and any changes in your condition.
• Provide your ACC claim number, date of Injury, and how the injury occurred.
• Understand the financial responsibilities associated with treatment.
• Have parental or guardian consent for patients who are minors (aged 15 or less). Minors who are not patients are not allowed into the treatment room without appropriate supervision..

Benefits of Acupuncture:

• • Pain relief
  • Stress reduction
  • Improved sleep
  • Enhanced overall well-being
  • Reduction of inflammation

• Improvement of many medical conditions

Risks and Side Effects:

While acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified practitioner, there are certain risks and side effects, including but not limited to:

• Bruising or soreness at the site of needle insertion
• Minor bleeding or bruising
• Temporary dizziness, or light-headedness
• Temporary fatigue
• Temporary worsening of symptoms
• Pneumothorax/lung puncture when needles are incorrectly placed on the upper back (extremely rare)

It is important to let me know if you have any health concerns or conditions that may be relevant to safe care practices

• A Pace Maker
• Heart condition
• Anti-coagulant medication such as Warfarin
• Diabetes
• Immunocompromised
• Possibly pregnant
• Epilepsy
• HIV or Hepatitis