Category: Clinic Stuff

Sliding Scale Guidelines for our $30-$50 Community Acupuncture Treatments

Boston Acupuncture Project builds community by providing widely accessible and affordable acupuncture. Boston Acupuncture Project is here for you – and thanks to you. But what does the “sliding scale” really mean?

We need to average $40 per visit.

We want to keep our sliding scale at $30-$60 for as long as possible. In order to continue to stay open and provide treatments, our clinic needs to average $40 per visit. (This assumes we’re averaging 50 visits per week.) This is a literal average – every dollar counts! But to keep it simple, let’s break it into 3 tiers:

When you pay . . . . $50 or more: it helps us keep the low end at $30, save, grow. $40: sustainer rate - keeps BAP going! $30: makes it possible for more people (YOU) to get acupuncture!

Paying $50 or more helps us keep the low end of the sliding scale at $30, save for emergencies, and potentially even grow to have more open hours, more programs, and more staff.

Paying $40 helps sustain Boston Acupuncture Project financially. Thank you! This is the average payment we need to keep things running, assuming enough people are coming in.

If you are only able to pay $30, thank you so much – please keep paying $30 per visit.

If you need to pay $30, we want you to pay $30.

No matter how much you pay, we want you to be able to get as much acupuncture as you need to see a real difference in your health concerns. Not only does your life improve, but then you can tell other people about how acupuncture helped you! And that helps us reach more new patients, and fulfill our mission.

So, if paying more than $30 would prevent you from getting as much acupuncture as you need, we do not want you to pay more than $30. We want you to get enough acupuncture. There are also plenty of ways you can help BAP keep our doors open that are not paying more on the sliding scale, if you’re interested!

If $30 puts acupuncture out of reach for you

If you are not able to pay $30 per visit, please talk to your acupuncturist! Generous community members who love getting acupuncture at BAP donate Pay It Forward treatments for neighbors unable to pay $30. (If you would like to donate a Pay It Forward treatment, please click here to visit our donation page.)

We want you to know that every dollar counts.

If you are able, paying above $30 makes a real difference for us.

We are counting on you to ask yourself the question. We can’t stay open if we can’t meet our financial obligations.

How do I know how much I can pay?

This is very personal. Below is one framework for thinking about where you might fall on our sliding scale. Thanks for being thoughtful!

3 bottles under a heading The Green Bottle - where you fall on the sliding scale. Vertical axis is labeled financial privilege - how full the bottles are. Horizontal axis is labeled Personal Financial Experience - what you experience inside each bottle. Bottle on left is full. It says: I am comfortably able to meet all of my basic needs; I may have some debt but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs; I own my home OR I rent a higher end property; I own or lease a car; I am employed OR do not need to work to meet my needs; I have regular access to health care and financial savings; I have expendable income; I can always buy new items; I can afford time off or a vacation. Middle bottle is half full. It says: I may stress about meeting my basic needs but still regularly achieve them; I may have some debt but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs; I own or lease a car; I am employed; I have access to health care; I might have access to financial savings; I have some expendable income; I am able to buy some new items and thrift others; I can take a vacation annually or every few years without financial burden. Bottle on the right has very little and says: I frequently stress about meeting my basic needs and don't always achieve them; I have debt and sometimes it prohibits me from meeting my basic needs; I rent lower-end properties or have unstable housing; I do not have a car and/or have limited access to a car but am not always able to afford gas; I am unemployed or underemployed; I qualify for government assistance including food stamps and health care; I have no or very limited expendable income; I rarely buy new items because I am unable to afford them; I cannot afford a vacation or have the ability to take time off without financial burden. Bottom says that Basic Needs include food, housing, and transportation. Expendable income means you are able to buy a coffee, go to the movies or a concert, buy a new book or clothing or similar items every month, etc. Designed by Alexis J. Cunningfolk at WortsAndCunning.com

Andrew Cheever, L.Ac. covers on Saturday, Sept. 16

We are excited to welcome Andrew Cheever, L.Ac. back to Boston Acupuncture Project! Book with Andrew directly by clicking this link.

Andrew earned his Master of Science in Acupuncture from Tri-State Acupuncture College in 2011. He has been practicing for many years at community acupuncture clinics Acupuncture Together in Medford, MA and Open Space Community Acupuncture in Somerville, MA.

Before moving to Somerville in 2015, Andrew practiced acupuncture at the New York Presbyterian Hospital’s pediatric oncology ward. He has experience working with individuals with physical, cognitive and social disabilities.

Andrew Cheever smiles at camera. He is a white man with a beard.

On Saturday, Sept. 16, Andrew covers at BAP. Please give him a warm Hyde Park welcome! Our regular sliding scale of $25-$55 (plus the added $10 fee for first visits only) applies.

Book with Andrew

Yes, we’re still masking inside the clinic.

Today, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts ended the mask requirement for healthcare facilities. Clinics such as Boston Acupuncture Project can choose to retain their own mask requirements and we have decided to do so.

Throughout the pandemic, our highest priority has been to keep staff and patients safe inside the clinic. Masking is a proven prevention tool in reducing the transmission of COVID-19. We want to protect all of our patients including but not limited to our most vulnerable—for example, people with respiratory conditions, autoimmune disorders, those who are receiving treatment for cancer including chemotherapy and our pregnant patients.

Masks must be N95, KN95, KF94 or a surgical mask. No exceptions. We thank you in advance for following our policy. (Click here for the full list of our COVID-19 policies.)

We will no longer be asking symptom screening questions before your visits – however, we still ask that you reschedule or cancel your appointment if you are feeling sick. We also ask that you reschedule or cancel if you are in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19. You will never be charged for a late cancel or reschedule due to illness or exposure. Thank you for participating in community acupuncture!

New Sliding Scale Guidelines

Our sliding scale has not changed. Boston Acupuncture Project builds community by providing widely accessible and affordable acupuncture. Boston Acupuncture Project is here for you – and thanks to you. But what does the sliding scale really mean?

We need to average $35 per visit.

We want to keep our sliding scale at $25-$55 for as long as possible. In order to continue to stay open and provide treatments, our clinic needs to average $35 per visit. (This assumes we’re averaging 40 visits per week.) This is a literal average – every dollar counts! But to keep it simple, let’s break it into 3 tiers:

Paying $45 or more helps us keep the low end of the sliding scale at $25, save for emergencies, and potentially even grow to have more open hours, more programs, and more staff.

Paying $35 helps sustain Boston Acupuncture Project financially. Thank you! This is the average payment we need to keep things running.

If you are only able to pay $25, thank you so much – please keep paying $25 per visit.

If you need to pay $25, we want you to pay $25.

No matter how much you pay, we want you to be able to get as much acupuncture as you need to see a real difference in your health concerns. Not only does your life improve, but then you can tell other people about how acupuncture helped you! And that helps us reach more new patients, and fulfill our mission.

So, if paying more than $25 would prevent you from getting as much acupuncture as you need, we do not want you to pay more than $25. We want you to get enough acupuncture. There are also plenty of ways you can help BAP keep our doors open that are not paying more on the sliding scale, if you’re interested!

If $25 puts acupuncture out of reach for you

If you are not able to pay $25 per visit, please talk to your acupuncturist! Generous community members who love getting acupuncture at BAP donate Pay It Forward treatments for neighbors unable to pay $25. (If you would like to donate a Pay It Forward treatment, please click here to visit our donation page.)

We want you to know that every dollar counts.

If you are able, paying above $25 makes a real difference for us.

We are counting on you to ask yourself the question. We can’t stay open if we can’t meet our financial obligations.

How do I know how much I can pay?

This is very personal. Below is one framework for thinking about where you might fall on our sliding scale. Thanks for being thoughtful!

3 bottles under a heading The Green Bottle - where you fall on the sliding scale. Vertical axis is labeled financial privilege - how full the bottles are. Horizontal axis is labeled Personal Financial Experience - what you experience inside each bottle. Bottle on left is full. It says: I am comfortably able to meet all of my basic needs; I may have some debt but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs; I own my home OR I rent a higher end property; I own or lease a car; I am employed OR do not need to work to meet my needs; I have regular access to health care and financial savings; I have expendable income; I can always buy new items; I can afford time off or a vacation. Middle bottle is half full. It says: I may stress about meeting my basic needs but still regularly achieve them; I may have some debt but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs; I own or lease a car; I am employed; I have access to health care; I might have access to financial savings; I have some expendable income; I am able to buy some new items and thrift others; I can take a vacation annually or every few years without financial burden. Bottle on the right has very little and says: I frequently stress about meeting my basic needs and don't always achieve them; I have debt and sometimes it prohibits me from meeting my basic needs; I rent lower-end properties or have unstable housing; I do not have a car and/or have limited access to a car but am not always able to afford gas; I am unemployed or underemployed; I qualify for government assistance including food stamps and health care; I have no or very limited expendable income; I rarely buy new items because I am unable to afford them; I cannot afford a vacation or have the ability to take time off without financial burden. Bottom says that Basic Needs include food, housing, and transportation. Expendable income means you are able to buy a coffee, go to the movies or a concert, buy a new book or clothing or similar items every month, etc. Designed by Alexis J. Cunningfolk at WortsAndCunning.com

Virtual Yard Sale

We are selling a few excess furniture items! Your entire purchase will fund things the clinic actually needs. Please feel free to share with local friends. Call the clinic at 617-506-3868 or email contact@bostonacupunctureproject.org if you would like to check out or purchase one of these recliners!

Brand New Recliner for $195

Comfy and brand new recliner purchased for $263.99 with 5 year protection by Allstate ($52.99 value). Discontinued item from Wayfair. Purchased for high weight rating of 660 lbs but length is too short for us. Reclined length is a little under five feet. Great for a shorter, heavier person or someone who sits down with a lot of force. Find this Oliviya 26.37” Wide Manual Standard Recliner By Latitude Run on OfferUp or just stop by the clinic. Asking for $195 OBO.

Zero Gravity Loveseat for $45

Comfy and unique porch or patio furniture. 3’9” wide from armrest to armrest, seating area is 3’1” wide. Reclines with body weight. Folds flat for easy storage. Lightly used. Find this Orange Zero Gravity Loveseat on OfferUp or just stop by the clinic.

Used Recliner for $55

Well-loved recliner in good working order. This is exactly like the smaller, fluffy recliners in the clinic. 38″ tall, 35″ deep, 32″ wide. Find this Recliner on OfferUp.

Acupuncture Outdoors in Summer 2022

Boston Acupuncture Project still offers Bubble Block appointments at the clinic during our regular clinic hours.

What is a “Bubble Block”?

Bubble Blocks reserve the clinic for one full hour, for up to 4 people. (Or just for yourself!)

The name comes from earlier in the pandemic, when many people were only interacting with others in their “bubble.”

Bubble Blocks cost $100 minimum – add $10 for each new (first-time) patient. Anyone new should fill out health history and consent forms before you arrive. 24 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule a Bubble Block.

Book Now

Outdoor Appointments

This summer, Bubble Blocks head outdoors – to your back yard!

Interested in hosting a Bubble Block at your outdoor location?

Call or text us at 617-506-3868 or fill out the Outdoor Acupuncture Appointment Request Form online (click here).

Request Now

Swag Alert: T-shirts are here

purple v-neck t-shirt, orange pullover hoodie, and blue unisex t-shirt that say I nap with my neighbors at Boston Acupuncture Project

It’s almost BAP’s 3rd birthday! Show the clinic some love by purchasing your very own “I nap with my neighbors at Boston Acupuncture Project” T-shirt or hoodie through our fundraising partner, Bonfire (sizes XS-4XL). Click the button below to see all your options!

Buy Now

Women’s slim fit T-shirts and youth sizes are now available.

Thanks for your support!

Big News: First Visits Are easy Again

Acupuncturist Ren treats a volunteer at BAP while another volunteer reclines in the background. All 3 are wearing masks.

For the past year, our New Patient Process has involved a tele-health intake followed by an in-person visit.

As of June 2021, tele-health visits are optional! NEW patients can book a first visit, online or by phone, and come to the clinic in person to get acupuncture right away.

For those who need a more in-depth, intensive discussion of their health concerns, we recommend still booking a tele-health intake.

Book Now

Keeping Our Doors Open – How You Can Help

Community acupuncture would not exist without you, and your participation.

Headline in purple: How Community Acupuncture Works. Top box in orange says: 1 acupuncturist, 1 patient, $120. Image shows acupuncturist with pale skin and gray hair next to one head/torso representing one patient. Middle box in Blue says: 1 acupuncturist, 2 to 4 patients, $30 to $60. Image shows acupuncturist with dark brown skin and black hair with 3 heads/torsos representing 3 patients. Bottom box in green says: 1 acupuncturist, 5 to 8 patients, $15 to $25. Image shows acupuncturist with brown skin and brown hair with 6 heads/torsos representing 6 patients.

Boston Acupuncture Project works to make acupuncture more affordable and accessible, so we can make a difference in people’s lives! But we need your help. The way we keep our prices low is by giving a LOT of treatments.

Telling others about Boston Acupuncture Project is the #1 most helpful thing you can do to help us stay open. (After making sure you get enough acupuncture yourself, of course.)

Here are a few other things you can do to help:

  • Tell your other health care providers how acupuncture is making a difference for you. (We want them to send more patients here.)
  • Put up a BAP flyer – maybe at work, your local coffee shop, community center, place of worship, anywhere you go where there is a bulletin board. Flyers are available at the front desk – just ask.
  • Give BAP a good review online, to tell the world about why they should come here for acupuncture!
  • Share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. (Yes, it makes a difference!)
  • Bring your own blanket(s) to your treatment to help us save on laundry time and money.
  • Pay for your treatments with cash, if you have the means.
  • Throw in a few extra dollars if you pay with a credit card. (Every credit card payment sends a slice of that money to the processing company.)
  • Slide up the scale – but only if you’re able to do this and still get enough treatments to feel better. If you’re paying online, consider buying yourself gift certificates of $30 or $40 per treatment.
  • Make a one-time or recurring donation to Boston Acupuncture Project – these general donations will help us cover rent, electricity, supplies, and other basic expenses.
  • If you have pre-paid treatments you’re not using, consider letting us know you want to Pay It Forward
  • Share our other community acupuncture offerings with your workplace or volunteer group.
  • Let your family and friends know that acupuncture can help them just like it’s helped you. You can even book a Bubble Block appointment to come in all together. (Or outdoor acupuncture when it’s warm out!)
  • Come in for acupuncture! Don’t forget about how great you feel with regular acupuncture treatments.

Thank you for participating in community acupuncture!

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