Bridge between Eastern and Western Medicine
Acupuncturist John Howard first started his career in Western medicine in 1991 as a medical lab technician in Hollywood, Florida. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Upon completion of boot camp, John attended Hospital Corpsman School in Chicago, Illinois and graduated with honors. He continued training the following year at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. John learned Field Medicine and Trauma Training with the U.S. Marine Corps, thus certifying him as a Combat Medic with the U.S. Marine Corps. While stationed in Orlando, Florida at the Naval Hospital, John attended Mid-Florida College in the Navy’s EMT program and passed the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians exam to become a certified EMT.
In Orlando John worked in the ER, and was hand picked to attend the Advanced Lab School in Bethesda, Maryland to further his education. After he finished school, John worked in numerous clinics at the National Naval Medical Center. He was then chosen to attend the Army’s School 18 Delta Special Operation Medicine, where the Army trains their members of the elite Delta Forces. John graduated with the MOS 18 Delta and then went to the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences where he was trained in field surgical techniques.
After an honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy, John’s medical journey led him to George Washington University Hospital where he worked as an ER Trauma Technician. He also taught fourth year medical students minor trauma and suturing techniques, and taught classes at the medical center as an Assistant Adjunct Professor of Emergency Medicine.
At this point in John’s career, he became aware of acupuncture, and decided to take a five month acupuncture course at NIH. Upon completion of this course, John decided that becoming an acupuncturist was his chosen path. John attended the Maryland Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine where he graduated with honors. Upon graduation John passed the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) certification exam that confers Diplomate status.
After receiving his acupuncture license, John trained with the Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture System. The program involves a series of treatments that enhance the appearance of the face and body, while balancing the internal systems to improve health.
John is currently doing a fellowship with Dr. Richard Niemtzow at Andrews Air Force Base. Dr. Niemtzow is a world-renowned acupuncturist that teaches throughout the United States and overseas. Dr. Niemtzow is the only full-time active duty acupuncturist in the military and currently is the President of the Maryland Medical Acupuncture Society. Soon John will be assisting Dr. Niemtzow at the Walter Reed Army Hospital treating amputee veterans.
John is currently a Board Member of the Maryland Acupuncture Society. He is also first licensed acupuncturist that is not an MD to be accepted as a member of Maryland Medical Acupuncture Society. John was asked by his peers in NCCAOM to help create test questions for the newly revised National Certification exam.
John’s specialties include pain management, musculoskeletal and neurological disorders, migraines, respiratory problems, gastrointestinal problems, sports medicine and sports related injuries, ears-nose-eyes-throat conditions, and women’s issues, including gynecological and reproductive support.
Cancellation Policy:
If it is necessary to cancel an appointment, please call BodyTech at least 24 hours prior to your appointment time. If an appointment is not cancelled and is not kept, you may be subject to an administrative charge at our discretion
Insurance and Payment Policy:
Cash, check and money order are accepted for copays, deductibles, and other applicable payments due at the time of service.
The only insurance that we are contracted with is CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield. If you have coverage through CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield and you have acupuncture services as a covered benefit under your contract, we will be happy to bill your insurance for payment. You will only be responsible for your copay and/or deductible at the time of your visit. If we are unable to determine if your deductible and/or copay has been met, you will be billed for these amounts after your insurance has processed the claim.
If you are insured under any other plan of medical insurance, payment is due at the time services are rendered and we will provide you with an itemized billing with the appropriate coding to submit to your insurer for reimbursement to you. If after your first visit, we are able to confirm that you have insurance coverage for acupuncture services that is adequate to cover your treatments; special arrangements may be made to bill your insurance for additional treatments with assignment of benefits to the provider.
Since most Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts will reimburse you for services rendered, we can provide an itemized receipt for reimbursement.
