When it comes to alternative treatments, alternative remedies, it's like the wild west out there. Here's what you need to know.

Are You Considering Using Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)?

Contents

• Introduction
• Key Points
• Questions and Answers
• For More Information

Introduction

Decisions about your health care are important--including decisions about whether to use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has developed this fact sheet to assist you in your decision-making about CAM. It includes frequently asked questions, issues to consider, and a list of sources for further information.

Key Points

• Take charge of your health by being an informed consumer. Find out what scientific studies have been done on the safety and effectiveness of the CAM treatment in which you are interested.

• Decisions about medical care and treatment should be made in consultation with a health care provider and based on the condition and needs of each person. Discuss information on CAM with your health care provider before making any decisions about treatment or care.

• If you use any CAM therapy, inform your primary health care provider. This is for your safety and so your health care provider can develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

• If you use a CAM therapy provided by a practitioner, such as acupuncture, choose the practitioner with care. Check with your insurer to see if the services will be covered. (To learn more about selecting a CAM practitioner, see our fact sheet, "Selecting a Complementary and Alternative Medicine Practitioner.") Top

Questions and Answers

1. What is complementary and alternative medicine?
2. How can I get reliable information about a CAM therapy?
3. Are CAM therapies safe?
4. How can I determine whether statements made about the effectiveness of a CAM therapy are true?
5. Are there any risks to using CAM treatments?
6. Are CAM therapies tested to see if they work?
7. I am interested in a CAM therapy that involves treatment from a practitioner. How do I go about selecting a practitioner?
8. Can I receive treatment or a referral to a practitioner from NCCAM?
9. Can I participate in CAM research through a clinical trial?