How to Select a Complementary and Alternative Medicine Provider - How to Select a Alternative Medicine Provider

Will insurance cover the cost of a CAM practitioner?

Few CAM therapies are covered by insurance, and the amount of coverage offered varies depending on the insurer. Before agreeing to a treatment that a CAM practitioner suggests, you should check with your insurer to see if they will cover any portion of the therapy's cost. If insurance does cover a portion of the cost, you will want to ask if the practitioner accepts your insurance or participates in your insurer's network. Even with insurance, you may be responsible for a percentage of the cost of therapy.

I have located the names of several practitioners. How do I select one?

Begin by contacting the practitioners on your list and gathering information.

• Ask what training or other qualifications the practitioners have. Ask about their education, additional training, licenses, and certifications. If you have contacted a professional organization, see if the practitioners' qualifications meet the standards for training and licensing for that profession.

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• Ask if it is possible to have a brief consultation in person or by phone with the practitioners. This will give you a chance to speak with them directly. The consultation may or may not involve a charge.
• Ask if there are diseases/health conditions in which the practitioners specializes and how frequently they treats patients with problems similar to yours.
• Ask if the practitioners believe the therapy can effectively address your complaint and if there is any scientific research supporting the treatment's use for your condition. (For information on how you can look for scientific information regarding a therapy, see our fact sheet "Are You Considering Using CAM?")
• Ask how many patients the practitioners typically see in a day and how much time they spend with each patient.
• Ask whether there is a brochure or Web site to tell you more about the practice.
• Ask about charges and payment options. How much do treatments cost? If you have insurance, do the practitioners accept your insurance or participate in your insurer's network? Even with insurance, you may be responsible for a percentage of the cost.
• Ask about the hours appointments are offered. How long is the wait for an appointment? Consider whether this will be convenient for your schedule.
• Ask about office location. If you need a building with an elevator or a wheelchair ramp, ask about it.
• Ask what will be involved in the first visit or assessment.
• Observe how comfortable you feel during these first interactions.
• Once you have gathered the information, assess the answers and determine which practitioner was best able to respond to your questions and best suits your needs.

I have selected a practitioner. What questions should I ask at my first visit?

The first visit is very important. Come prepared to answer questions about your health history, such as surgeries, injuries, and major illnesses, as well as prescriptions, vitamins, and other supplements you take. Not only will the practitioner wish to gather information from you, but you will want to ask questions, too. Write down ahead of time the questions you want to ask, or take a family member or friend with you to help you remember the questions and answers. Some people bring a tape recorder to record the appointment. (Ask the practitioner for permission to do this in advance.) Here are some questions you may want to ask:

• What benefits can I expect from this therapy?
• What are the risks associated with this therapy?
• Do the benefits outweigh the risks for my disease or condition?
• What side effects can be expected?
• Will the therapy interfere with any of my daily activities?
• How long will I need to undergo treatment? How often will my progress or plan of treatment be assessed?
• Will I need to buy any equipment or supplies?
• Do you have scientific articles or references about using the treatment for my condition?
• Could the therapy interact with conventional treatments?
• Are there any conditions for which this treatment should not be used?