Selecting a Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Practitioner

Written by National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Important considerations in selecting an alternative medicine practitioner. Includes qualifications, cost and payment.

On this page

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

Introduction

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Selecting a health care practitioner--of conventional ¹ or complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)--is an important decision and can be key to ensuring that you are receiving the best health care. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has developed this fact sheet to answer frequently asked questions about selecting a CAM practitioner, such as issues to consider when making your decision and important questions to ask the practitioner you select.

Key Points

• If you are seeking a CAM practitioner, speak with your primary health care provider(s) or someone you believe to be knowledgeable about CAM regarding the therapy in which you are interested. Ask if they have a recommendation for the type of CAM practitioner you are seeking.

• Make a list of CAM practitioners and gather information about each before making your first visit. Ask basic questions about their credentials and practice. Where did they receive their training? What licenses or certifications do they have? How much will the treatment cost?

• Check with your insurer to see if the cost of therapy will be covered.

• After you select a practitioner, make a list of questions to ask at your first visit. You may want to bring a friend or family member who can help you ask questions and note answers.

• Come to the first visit prepared to answer questions about your health history, including injuries, surgeries, and major illnesses, as well as prescription medicines, vitamins, and other supplements you may take.

• Assess your first visit and decide if the practitioner is right for you. Did you feel comfortable with the practitioner? Could the practitioner answer your questions? Did he respond to you in a way that satisfied you? Does the treatment plan seem reasonable and acceptable to you? Top

Questions and Answers

1. What is complementary and alternative medicine?
2. I am interested in a CAM therapy that involves treatment from a practitioner. How do I go about finding a practitioner?
3. Will insurance cover the cost of a CAM practitioner?
4. I have located the names of several practitioners.
5. How do I select one? I have selected a practitioner. What questions should I ask at my first visit?
6. How do I know if the practitioner I have selected is right for me?
7. Can I change my mind about the treatment or the practitioner?
8. Can I receive treatment or a referral to a practitioner from NCCAM?
9. Can I receive CAM treatment through a clinical trial?

1. What is complementary and alternative medicine?

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be a part of conventional medicine, such as acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, and homeopathy. People use CAM therapies in a variety of ways. CAM therapies used alone are often referred to as "alternative." When used in addition to conventional medicine, they are often referred to as "complementary." The list of what is considered to be CAM changes continually as those therapies that are proven to be safe and effective become adopted into conventional health care and as new approaches to health care emerge. For more about these terms, see the NCCAM fact sheet "What Is Complementary and Alternative Medicine?"