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How Chinese Medicine works for Pain

 

The mechanisms underlying Chinese Medicine works, is so effective for treating pain, and have been researched extensively for over 60 years.

 

While there is still much left to learn about Chinese medicine mechanisms and the human body in general, the neural pathways from acupuncture point stimulation, to the spinal cord to the deactivation of the pain centers in the brain have been mapped.

Chinese medicine (with it's treatment modalities such as Acupuncture, and it's herbal formulations, and other modalities) has been demonstrated to activate a number of the body’s own opioids as well as improving the brain’s sensitivity to opioids.  A number of other biochemicals involved in pain reduction have been found to be released or regulated by acupuncture stimulation, including ATP and adenosine, GABA and substance P.

In the context of ineffective and often dangerous pharmaceutical options for pain, Chinese Medicine represents a safe and effective alternative for pain control, with a long track-record of successful use.

How to Get Your VA Appointment with Dr. Corrente
 

Step-by-step

  1. See your Primary Care Physician (PCP)

    • Tell your PCP: “I’d like a referral to see Dr. Deborah Corrente (A Healthier You Wellness Center) as a new patient for acupuncture/integrative care.”

  2. PCP sends the referral

    • Ask your PCP to send the referral to the Miami VA (Community Care).

  3. Call the Miami VA after the referral is sent

    • Call the Miami VA community clinic and ask for an MSA (Medical Scheduling Assistant).

  4. Tell the MSA you have a referral to see Dr. Corrente

    • Say: “I have a referral on file to see Dr. Deborah Corrente.”

    • The MSA will search the system, confirm your authorization, and check appointment availability.

  5. Get scheduled

    • The MSA will schedule you directly for your first appointment.

Quick phone script (copy this)

“Hi, my name is ________. My date of birth is ________. I have a referral from my PCP to see Dr. Deborah Corrente at A Healthier You Wellness Center through Community Care. Could I speak with an MSA to schedule, please?”

Have this information ready when you call

  • Full name and DOB

  • Last 4 of SSN

  • Your referral/consult number (if you were given one)

  • The provider’s name: Dr. Deborah Corrente (A Healthier You Wellness Center)

  • Reason for visit: Acupuncture / Integrative Medicine

Helpful tips

  • If the MSA can’t find your referral, call your PCP and ask them to confirm it was sent to Miami VA Community Care (include your DOB and last 4).

  • Ask the MSA:

    • How many visits are authorized?

    • Authorization dates (start/end)?

    • Who to call for rescheduling or no-shows.

  • Bring to your first visit:

    • Photo ID

    • Any VA authorization paperwork (if you received it)

    • List of medications/conditions

If you hit a snag

  • Call your PCP office and ask them to “re-send or verify the Community Care referral to Miami VA.”

  • Ask the VA operator for Community Care / MSA or the Patient Advocate at the Miami VA.

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