Have questions before your first visit? You’re in the right place. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about acupuncture, functional medicine, genetic testing, fees, and what to expect.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me — I’m always happy to help guide you.
Phone: (409) 571-2511
Feel free to text me here.
Email:Dr.IrinaPatten@gmail.com
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
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YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED *
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Acupuncture is a time-tested form of medicine that has been used for thousands of years and is becoming increasingly recognized in modern healthcare.
During a treatment, very thin, sterile, hairlike needles are gently placed at specific points on the body. These points help stimulate the nervous system, improve circulation, support the body’s natural healing response, and encourage the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals such as endorphins.
In simple terms, acupuncture helps the body shift out of stress mode and move toward better balance, regulation, and healing.
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Most patients are surprised by how gentle acupuncture feels. The needles are extremely thin — much thinner than the needles used for injections or blood draws.
You may feel a tiny pinch, tingling, warmth, heaviness, or a dull achy sensation around the point. Many people find the treatment deeply relaxing, and some even fall asleep during the session.
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Acupuncture is generally very safe when performed by a licensed practitioner using sterile, single-use needles.
Most patients tolerate acupuncture very well and leave feeling calm, relaxed, or more balanced. When side effects do occur, they are usually mild and temporary. These may include slight soreness, minor bruising, lightheadedness, fatigue, or a temporary shift in symptoms as the body responds to treatment.
Your comfort and safety are always a priority. Each treatment is thoughtfully adjusted based on your constitution, sensitivity, health history, comfort level, and goals.
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I support a wide range of concerns, including stress, anxiety, pain, sleep issues, digestive problems, hormone changes, fertility, women’s health, perimenopause, menopause, fatigue, inflammation, autoimmunity, histamine-related concerns, metabolic health, healthy aging, and overall wellness.
My approach is whole-body and personalized. Rather than looking at symptoms in isolation, I work to better understand the deeper patterns that may be contributing to how you feel.
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Your first appointment includes a detailed conversation about your health history, current symptoms, lifestyle, stress, sleep, digestion, hormones, nutrition, and health goals.
Depending on the type of appointment, we may include acupuncture, functional medicine recommendations, lab discussion, genetic testing options, or a personalized care plan.
The goal is to help you feel heard, understood, and supported with a plan that makes sense for your body.
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Item dThe number of treatments depends on your condition, how long it has been present, and how your body responds.
Some patients feel improvement quickly, while chronic or more complex concerns usually require a series of treatments. After your first visit, I will recommend a care plan that is personalized to your specific needs and goals.
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Item descriptYes. In addition to acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, I offer functional medicine and genetics-informed consultations.
Unlike acupuncture treatments, these appointments do not have to be in person and may be scheduled virtually for patients located in Texas.
Functional medicine allows us to look more deeply at possible root causes, including digestion, hormones, inflammation, nutrient status, blood sugar, detoxification, stress physiology, and other whole-body patterns.
Genetic testing can add another layer of insight by helping us better understand your unique pathways, tendencies, and areas where your body may need more personalized support.
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Yes. Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, functional medicine, and genetics-informed care can often work beautifully alongside conventional medical care.
My approach is integrative, thoughtful, and collaborative. I do not replace your medical doctor or necessary medical treatment. Instead, I help support the whole body by looking at patterns related to stress, digestion, hormones, inflammation, nutrition, lifestyle, and genetic tendencies — while you continue any appropriate conventional care.
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An initial acupuncture visit is $250 and includes a comprehensive intake, evaluation, and treatment.
Follow-up acupuncture visits are $100.
A package of 6 acupuncture treatments is $540, which brings the cost to $90 per visit.
For a complete list of current services and fees, please click Book an Appointment to view the full fee structure.
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Genetic testing is offered in two parts:
Part 1: Genetic Test + Report Generation — $350
This fee covers the genetic test and report generation.Part 2: Genetic Blueprint Interpretation + Treatment Planning — $350
This includes a detailed clinical review of your results, personalized interpretation, and a targeted plan based on your genetics, symptoms, health history, and goals.Genetic testing is not used to diagnose disease. Instead, it helps us better understand your body’s unique patterns and where you may benefit from more personalized support.
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Functional medicine testing fees vary depending on the type of test recommended. Testing may include comprehensive bloodwork, stool testing, hormone testing, organic acids testing, nutrient testing, or other specialty labs.
Lab fees are separate from consultation fees and are typically paid at the time the test is ordered. Most functional medicine lab fees range from approximately $150 to $600, depending on the specific test.
For a complete list of current services and fees, please click Book an Appointment to view the full fee structure.
After your initial consultation, I will recommend only the testing that feels most appropriate for your concerns, goals, and budget. My goal is always to be thoughtful and strategic — not to order unnecessary testing.
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At this time, I do not bill insurance directly. However, I can provide a superbill upon request, which you may submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Coverage depends on your individual insurance plan.
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Yes. I offer virtual appointments for functional medicine and genetic testing consultations.
At this time, virtual care is available for patients who are physically located in the state of Texas at the time of the appointment.
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I kindly ask for at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
This allows enough time for another patient to take that appointment spot. Appointments canceled with less than 48 hours’ notice may be subject to a cancellation fee.
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The easiest way to get started is to book an appointment online.
If you are unsure which appointment type is right for you, please feel free to reach out at (409) 571-2511 or dr.irinapatten@gmail.com. I’m happy to help guide you toward the best starting point based on your needs.