The article provides essential guidance for acupuncturists navigating the complex landscape of insurance billing, dispelling the common myth that licensing requires credentialing to bill insurance. Many insurance plans cover acupuncture out-of-network, meaning providers can bill without enrollment, with true HMO-style plans being the primary exception. The fundamental decision is strategic: does network participation enhance value or merely limit income, considering that no insurance plan pays in-network providers more? In-Network participation offers significant benefits, including increased patient volume due to lower out-of-pocket costs, predictable reimbursement, and free marketing via insurer directories. However, these benefits come with pitfalls, such as lower contracted rates, higher administrative burdens (credentialing, preauthorizations), care restrictions, and audit risk. Conversely, Out-of-Network participation allows for higher fee flexibility and greater clinical autonomy, but typically results in reduced visibility, unpredictable payments, and increased need for patient collections. The author suggests a hybrid approach—joining select strong regional networks while remaining out-of-network for others—as a balance between maximizing patient access and revenue. Ultimately, the choice must be a strategic one based on local market factors, administrative capacity, and long-term financial goals. Crucially, practitioners maintain control and can withdraw from a network later if it no longer serves their practice goals.