The mission of CMCO is to operate Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinics where TCM practitioners, students, and other healthcare professionals provide affordable care to the public. These clinics also serve as learning environments that support the study, research, and exchange of ideas, techniques, and methods in TCM and Integrative Healthcare.
Through the CMCO TCM Clinics for Charity, the organization offers low‑cost treatment options for individuals in need. Fees range from no charge to $5, $10, or $15–$25 per treatment—significantly lower than the typical $60–$120 charged at for‑profit clinics. Each patient meets with the clinic director to discuss their employment status and financial situation in order to determine an appropriate fee. This process is intentionally respectful and non‑intrusive; seeking care at the clinic already signals financial hardship for many individuals, and CMCO strives to avoid causing embarrassment or discomfort.
The organization has extensive experience assessing financial need. When a patient is unemployed, the determination is generally straightforward, and the brief financial discussion is usually sufficient to understand a person’s circumstances. Patients who cannot afford treatment receive care at no cost. Those who can contribute $5, $10, or $15–$25 per visit help offset the cost of essential clinic supplies, such as linens, acupuncture needles, and alcohol wipes.
The organization is fully aware of the restrictions applicable under IRC § 4958 and other sections of the Internal Revenue Code and will not engage in any transaction that violates applicable rules.