How to Choose a Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Provider

Choosing a health care provider can be the single most important decision that you make regarding your health. and when you seek a practitioner who practices an alternative medicine discipline, that decision can be complicated by the lack of licensing procedures and governing bodies. The following checklist is adapted from a fact sheet developed by the National Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

Create a list of CAM practitioners:

• Ask your regular doctor to recommend someone if they're knowledgeable about the CAM you're considering.
• If you belong to a support group, ask for recommendations from members that you trust.
• If there is a school nearby that teaches the therapy, ask for a list of local practitioners.
• If the therapy is covered by your health insurance, ask if they maintain a list of providers.
• Check with a nearby hospital. Many have lists of practitioners of various types of therapy.
• Check your state's board or regulatory organization.
• Check the telephone book or the listings at your local hospital.
  

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  Do some research to narrow your list. Some questions you should ask:

• Where did the practitioner receive their training?
• What are their credentials?
• What licenses do they hold? Are there certifications that they should hold?
• Do they belong to any professional organizations?
• How much are their fees?
  

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  Check with your health insurance, to see if the treatment will be covered.

• Are there requirements for coverage?
• Do you need a referral from your primary provider?
• What are the coverage limits?
  

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  Interview.

• One of the most important contributors to your relationship with your health care practitioner is your trust in him or her. Don't make a decision based on research alone. Once you've narrowed your choices down to two or three possibilities, make an appointment with each to talk about your expectations.
• Have a list of questions prepared to ask about the type of treatment they recommend, their office policies and procedures, billing and treatment philosophy.
  

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  Be prepared to answer questions as well as ask.

• Have a list of everything you take, including prescription medicines, supplements, vitamins and anything else that you take.
• Be prepared to give a medical history, including surgeries, injuries and major illnesses.
  

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  After the visit, evaluate.

• Did you feel comfortable with the practitioner?
• Did he or she seem rushed or uncomfortable?
• Did he answer all your questions to your satisfaction?
• Is he open to how conventional and alternative therapy can work together?
• Did the practitioner seem knowledgeable about your specific condition?
• Did he have the recommended certifications and credentials?
• Do you trust him?
• Does the treatment plan suggested seem reasonable?

In the end, choosing a massage therapist, nutritionist or other alternative health provider is no different than choosing any other doctor or health practitioner. Do your homework and trust your instincts.

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