FOR VETERANS
Acupuncture for Veterans in Colorado Springs
With a VA referral, you may be able to get acupuncture with Dr. Dawna at Lake Plaza Acupuncture and Chiropractic (LPAAC) covered by the VA. Here’s how the referral works, step by step.
Dr. Dawna has been providing care to veterans since 2016.
How to Get the VA to Cover Acupuncture
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Ask for an Acupuncture Referral
Ask your VA primary care provider, pain management team, or mental health provider about acupuncture. The VA offers acupuncture as part of its Whole Health approach when medically appropriate.
Request Community Care
If the VA can't provide acupuncture within its access standards, or you qualify for Community Care another way, ask about seeing a community acupuncturist.
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Request Dr. Dawna by Name
Tell your VA provider or Community Care coordinator you'd like to receive acupuncture with Dr. Dawna Ara at:
Lake Plaza Acupuncture and Chiropractic (LPAAC)
Clinic NPI: 1093386419
Dr. Dawna sees veterans at two Colorado Springs locations:
North Springs: 6885 Tutt Blvd Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO 80923
South Circle: 2860 S. Circle Drive Suite 250A, Colorado Springs, 80906
Let the VA know which location you prefer.
You can request your preferred provider, but the VA must approve your referral and authorize treatment before your first visit.
How Acupuncture May Help Veterans
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PAIN
May help with chronic pain, recent injuries, back and neck pain, and recovery after surgery
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STRESS
May help ease stress, anxiety, PTSD, and the strain of service-related stress
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SLEEP
May help with trouble falling or staying asleep
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HEADACHES
May help reduce how often headaches happen and how much they hurt
Troubleshooting
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Referral Stuck?
If your referral isn't complete, or it's been more than a month since you spoke with anyone about getting care, call the Office of Community Care at 1-877-881-7618.
Still getting the run-around? Call 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) to reach a live person who can help you find the right office.
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Need Travel Reimbursement?
Travel pay: You may be able to get paid for the mileage you drive to VA appointments, including Community Care approved appointments. Let the LPAAC front desk know you're doing travel pay, and they'll print proof that you attended.
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Need A Ride to Your Appointment?
Transportation help: If you need a ride to the VA or to a Community Care approved appointment, you can request transportation assistance through the VA.
YOUR PRACTITIONER
Why Veterans Choose Dr. Dawna Ara
Caring for veterans since 2016, through VA Community Care.
Board certified. NCCAOM certified and licensed in Colorado & California.
DACM and RN: Eastern medicine, Western clinical training.
Understands chronic pain and veteran health, including stress, sleep, and the lasting effects of service.
What Veterans Say
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“I was nervous about trying acupuncture… but honestly, it's not bad at all. Especially having Dawna as your acupuncturist, she's very easy to talk to, wants to understand the history of your pain… and truly gives 100% dedication to help heal you. This Veteran is forever grateful to Dawna and the LPAAC team!”
ANTHONY V., GOOGLE · LPAAC NORTH SPRINGS
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“Have had back pain for years and have received lots of steroid shots and other pain management but nothing helped. My doctor at pain management suggested Acupuncture… I was skeptical at first but Dawna changed my mind and have been seeing her weekly and now have very little back pain.”
MICHAEL A., GOOGLE · LPAAC S. CIRCLE
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“I have more recently been working with Mrs. Dawna… and she has been amazing to work with. I was initially referred to LPAAC by my primary care doc and it has been a great experience all around.”
JOSHUA W., GOOGLE · LPAAC S. CIRCLE
QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Ask your PCP, pain team, or psychiatrist for an acupuncture referral. If you're eligible for Community Care, the VA can authorize acupuncture with a community provider. Ask for Lake Plaza Acupuncture and Chiropractic by name and provide the clinic NPI: 1093386419.
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Ask for Lake Plaza Acupuncture and Chiropractic by name and give the NPI number, 1093386419. Otherwise, the VA usually assigns the clinic closest to your home address.
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Community Care approved appointments may qualify for VA travel pay. Tell the LPAAC office you're doing travel pay, and they'll print proof of attendance.
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Call the Office of Community Care at 1-877-881-7618. If you keep getting bounced between offices, call 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) to reach a live person.
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Dr. Dawna only sees VA patients through Lake Plaza Acupuncture and Chiropractic (LPAAC).
6885 Tutt Blvd Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO 80923
2860 S Circle Dr, Suite 250A, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Ready to Start with Your Referral?
Once your VA Community Care authorization is approved, contact LPAAC to schedule your first appointment and to answer any questions you may have. (719) 900-3009
Lake Plaza Acupuncture and Chiropractic, 2860 S Circle Dr, Suite 250A, Colorado Springs, CO 80906