Is acupuncture covered by extended health benefits in BC?

Yes. Most employer-provided extended health plans in BC include acupuncture coverage with a separate annual cap of $500 and 80% reimbursement. That means your plan covers $112 of a $140 initial session, leaving you with roughly $28 out of pocket. Your acupuncture cap is separate from massage, physiotherapy, and chiropractic caps.

How much does acupuncture cost after extended health benefits?

With standard 80% coverage: Initial Consultation (65 min) is $140 total, approximately $28 out of pocket. Subsequent treatments (50 min) are $120 total, approximately $24 out of pocket. ICBC follow-up treatments are $120, with ICBC covering $113 leaving $7 out of pocket.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see an acupuncturist in BC?

No. You can book directly without a referral. Most extended health plans in BC cover acupuncture without requiring a physician referral, though some plans may have specific requirements.

Does Hard Hat Healthcare accept ICBC patients?

Yes. Dr. Peter Wood is a registered ICBC provider treating motor vehicle accident injuries. ICBC Initial Assessment is $140 (65 min). ICBC subsequent treatments are $120, with ICBC covering $113, leaving $7 per session for the patient.

What conditions does acupuncture treat?

Common conditions treated include chronic and acute back pain, shoulder injuries and rotator cuff strain, knee and hip pain, repetitive strain injuries, neck pain and tension headaches, sleep disruption, stress, fatigue from physically demanding work, and motor vehicle accident rehabilitation.

How many acupuncture sessions will I need?

Acute issues typically require 4-6 sessions at 1-2 per week. Chronic issues require 8-12 sessions. Maintenance care is monthly or every 4-6 weeks. Dr. Peter provides a realistic treatment plan after your initial assessment.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Most patients describe it as minimal discomfort. Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, much finer than a blood draw needle. You may feel a brief sensation when the needle is inserted and sometimes a dull ache, tingling, or warmth. Most people are surprised by how comfortable the experience is.

What is a DTCM designation?

DTCM stands for Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the highest credential level in the TCM profession in BC. Dr. Peter Wood holds the DTCM designation and is registered with CTCMA, the provincial regulatory college for TCM practitioners in BC.

Where is Hard Hat Healthcare located and what are the hours?

Hard Hat Healthcare operates at Al Natural Integrative Medicine, 4279 Dawson St #317, Burnaby, BC V5C 0N5. Hours are Tuesday 2-8pm, Thursday 2-8pm, and Friday 9:30am-2pm. Phone: (236) 777-3802.

How do I book an acupuncture appointment?

Book a free 15-minute consult at https://calendar.app.google/oeTgDSrWz3UbSXti8 or book an initial consultation directly at https://drcarolinaleonnd.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/15/treatment/135. No referral needed. Evening appointments available Tuesday and Thursday.

Services

No fluff. No package deals. Just results, session by session. Evening hours, benefits covered.

Book Free 15-Min Consult →

Most extended health plans cover 80%, leaving you with roughly $24–28 out of pocket per session. ICBC patients pay as little as $7.

We direct bill with 38 extended health providers, including Manulife, Sun Life, Pacific Blue Cross, Canada Life, Desjardins, and more. See the full provider list on our FAQ page.

Evening appointments available Tuesday and Thursday until 8 pm, plus Friday mornings.

Hours

Tuesday	2:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday	2:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Friday	9:30 am – 2:00 pm
Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday: Closed

Location

Dr. Peter Wood, DTCM

Inside Al Natural Integrative Medicine

4279 Dawson St, Suite 317
Burnaby, BC V5C 0N5

Get Directions →

+1(236) 777-3802

drpeter@hardhathealthcare.com

Acupuncture

Start Here

FREE 15-Minute Consult

15 min No cost

Not sure if acupuncture is right for you? Book a free call with Dr. Peter. No commitment, no pressure. Just a straight conversation about what's going on and whether TCM can help.

Phone or in-person
Ask any questions
No obligation to book

Book Free Consult →

Initial Consultation & Treatment

65 min $120

With extended health: Estimated avg. +/- $28 out of pocket (80% avg. coverage)

Your first appointment. Dr. Peter does a complete TCM assessment, takes your health history, identifies the patterns driving your symptoms, and delivers your first treatment, all in one session. You leave with a clear plan.

Full health history review
TCM diagnostic examination
First acupuncture treatment
Treatment plan + patient education
Herbal medicine offered if appropriate ($50 + GST, billed separately)

Book Initial Consult

Subsequent Treatment

50 min $120

With extended health: Estimated avg. +/- $24 out of pocket (80% avg. coverage)

Follow-up sessions for established patients. Dr. Peter reassesses your patterns each visit, adjusts the treatment, and tracks your progress. No two sessions are identical, the treatment evolves as you do.

Pattern reassessment each visit
Treatment adjustments
Progress evaluation
Herbal medicine offered if appropriate ($50 + GST, billed separately)

Book Follow-Up

ICBC

ICBC Acupuncture

50–65 min $120–$120

ICBC subsequent visits: You pay $7, ICBC covers $113

Motor vehicle accident rehabilitation covered by ICBC. Initial assessment includes complete TCM diagnosis and first treatment. Follow-up sessions billed directly at the ICBC rate.

ICBC billing, registered provider
Complete TCM assessment (initial)
MVA rehabilitation focus
Follow-ups: $7 patient cost

Book ICBC Assessment

Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine

Initial Herbal Consultation

50 min $120

Herbal medicine without acupuncture. Dr. Peter takes a complete health history, diagnoses through TCM pattern recognition, and prescribes a custom herbal formula. Formulas dispensed in-clinic.

Full health history + TCM diagnosis
Custom formula prescription
Herbal formulas available: $25–95 (by weight)
Note: Herbals not covered by extended health benefits

Book Herbal Consult

Herbal Follow-Up

30 min $85

Follow-up herbal consultation for established patients. Available in-person or by telehealth. Dr. Peter assesses your response to the formula and adjusts as needed.

In-person or telehealth
Formula assessment + adjustments
Progress evaluation
Herbs dispensed as needed

Book Herbal Follow-Up

Herbal Add-On to Acupuncture

During your session $50 + GST

If Dr. Peter identifies that herbal medicine would accelerate your results during an acupuncture session, he may recommend an in-session herbal assessment and prescription. Not bookable online, discussed during your appointment.

Added to acupuncture appointment only
Herbal assessment + custom prescription
Formulas purchased separately: $25–95
Not covered by extended health benefits
Contact to arrange: drpeter@hardhathealthcare.com

Contact to Arrange