Medical acupuncture is offered at Southport Metro Medical Centre by Dr Joanna Hsing, one of our GPs and a qualified acupuncturist with over 15 years of experience. Unlike traditional acupuncture, medical acupuncture is performed by a registered doctor who integrates acupuncture techniques with their clinical training. Medicare rebates apply to most appointments.
Dr Joanna Hsing
MBBS (UNSW), FRACGP, Dip Acu, Dip Nutritional & Environmental Medicine
General Practitioner | Medical Acupuncture | Mandarin & Cantonese
Dr Hsing graduated from the University of New South Wales in 2001 and became a Fellow of the RACGP in 2007. She completed her acupuncture training in 2008 and holds a Diploma in Nutritional and Environmental Medicine. She brings a genuinely integrative approach to patient care, drawing on both her GP training and her acupuncture expertise to treat the whole person, not just the condition.
What Is Medical Acupuncture?
Medical acupuncture uses the same fine needles as traditional acupuncture but is practised by a medical doctor using a Western clinical framework. The needles are inserted into specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system, reduce pain, and promote the body’s natural healing responses.
Because Dr Hsing is also your GP, she can integrate acupuncture with other treatments, adjust medications where relevant, and take a complete picture of your health into account. It is not a case of choosing between conventional medicine and acupuncture. With Dr Hsing you get both.
Medical acupuncture is evidence-informed, performed by a registered GP, and covered by Medicare. It is a legitimate clinical treatment, not an alternative to conventional care.
What Conditions Can Acupuncture Help With?
Dr Hsing uses acupuncture as part of a broader treatment plan for a range of conditions. Common presentations include:
- Chronic back pain
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Knee pain
- Hip pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Sciatica
- Tension and stress
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Menopausal symptoms
- Period pain
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Post-surgical recovery
- Sports injuries
Not sure if acupuncture is right for your situation? Book a standard GP appointment with Dr Hsing first and she can advise whether acupuncture would be a useful part of your treatment plan.
Fees
| Appointment Type | Fee | Medicare Rebate | Out of Pocket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Comprehensive Assessment | $170 | $84.90 | $85.10 |
| Subsequent Consultation | $90 | $43.90 | $46.10 |
When booking online, select Acupuncture as your appointment type so the right amount of time is allocated. Standard GP appointment slots are shorter than acupuncture consultations.
What to Expect
Your first appointment with Dr Hsing is a comprehensive assessment. She will take a full medical history, discuss your symptoms and goals, and explain how acupuncture fits into your overall care. The initial session takes longer than a standard consult so that nothing gets rushed.
The needles used are very fine and most patients find the procedure comfortable. Some people feel a mild ache or warmth around the needle sites, which is a normal response. A session typically involves 6 to 12 needles left in place for 15 to 30 minutes while you rest.
Most conditions benefit from a course of treatment rather than a single session. Dr Hsing will discuss what is realistic for your situation at your first appointment and work with you on a plan that fits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does acupuncture hurt?
The needles are much finer than injection needles. Most people feel little to nothing when they are inserted. Some patients feel a mild ache, heaviness or warmth around the needle, which is a normal and generally positive sign that the acupuncture point has been activated. It is very different from having a blood test or injection.
How is medical acupuncture different from traditional acupuncture?
Medical acupuncture is performed by a fully registered medical doctor who uses acupuncture within a Western clinical framework. Dr Hsing assesses your condition as a GP first, then determines whether acupuncture is appropriate and how to integrate it with any other treatment you are receiving. Traditional acupuncture practitioners are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe, perform other GP services, or integrate with your broader medical care in the same way.
Does Medicare cover acupuncture?
Yes. Because Dr Hsing is a GP, Medicare rebates apply to your acupuncture consultations. The rebate varies depending on the length and type of appointment. See the fees table above for current figures.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your condition and how you respond to treatment. Acute conditions often respond faster. Chronic conditions typically need a course of 6 to 10 sessions to see sustained improvement. Dr Hsing will give you an honest assessment at your first appointment rather than committing you to an open-ended number of visits.
Can I see Dr Hsing for regular GP care as well?
Yes. Dr Hsing is a full GP and sees patients for the complete range of general practice. You can book a standard GP consultation or an acupuncture consultation depending on what you need. Many of her patients see her for both.
Does Dr Hsing consult in languages other than English?
Yes. Dr Hsing consults in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. If you would prefer to speak in Mandarin or Cantonese, just mention it when booking and we will note it on your appointment.
Related Services
- → Mental health support
- → Women’s health
- → Physiotherapy
- → Mandarin and Cantonese GP
- → Meet our full team
Book an acupuncture appointment with Dr Hsing
Open 7 days at Australia Fair Metro, ground floor, 58 Scarborough St, Southport. Select Acupuncture as the appointment type when booking online.