Our Minneapolis acupuncture clinic always strives to make sure as many people as possible are well informed about their health care choices and treatment. Because of this we have compiled the most recent and most common questions we receive.
Q: Is the cost of my nutritional supplements tax deductible?
A: YES, if your nutritional supplements are prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional then they are deductible. However, if you are self prescribing and/or buying your supplements from a local retail store or a retail website then NO, your supplements are not deductible.
Again, the IRS states that nutritional supplements, vitamins and herbal supplements are not considered a medical expense unless they have been prescribed or sanctioned by a licensed medical/health practitioner as treatment for a specific medical condition which they have diagnosed.
Q: I have heard/seen on the news that law enforcement has very recently taken action against well known stores such as GNC, Target etc., why is this?
A: Law enforcement has finally taken action against GNC, Target, Walgreen’s and Walmart after tests conducted on nutritional supplements found that 4 out of 5 products did not contain ANY herbs on their labels. At Complete Oriental Medical Care we only sell pharmaceutical grade supplements that have been thoroughly tested. Plus, at our clinic you will get a diagnosis and a customized prescription for supplements that will help your health problem in the most effective way.
We have worked to educate patients and reinforce just how critical it is for consumers to purchase their nutritional supplements through licensed healthcare providers. This latest action by the New York Attorney General’s office demonstrates this. I’ve warned patients for years that when they buy supplements from Walgreen’s or GNC they are buying from the bottom of the barrel, quality-wise.
Q: What else did these tests show?
A: These tests showed that pills labeled “medicinal herbs” often contained inexpensive fillers such as powdered rice, asparagus and houseplants, and contents that might be harmful to people with allergies.
Q: So, what now?
A: As always, we encourage you to only buy your nutritional supplements from a licensed healthcare professional. When you come to our clinic you can trust that you are getting the very best in nutritional supplements. The labs we work with put their nutritional supplements through rigorous testing that is accessible and transparent to health care providers, like myself.
Q: Is the cost of my acupuncture treatments tax deductible?
A: Yes! The IRS allows you to include the amount you pay for acupuncture treatments as a covered medical expense.
If there there are other health subjects you’d like to read about – don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
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