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5 TIPS FOR FINDING AN ALTERNATIVE PROVIDER You've been going to the same M.D. for more than a decade. Lately you've decided to seek more help in treating a medical problem. But alternative is a whole new world for you. How does someone find a trustworthy provider among so many options? You're not alone in seeking alternative care options. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) reports that nearly 40 percent of American adults use some form of . The collective out-of-pocket price tag tops $33 billion per year. This month's newsletter looks at ways to help you find a reliable provider of alternative medicine. We've also included a glossary of terms to help you navigate this growing world of health care professionals.

CREATE A LIST OF ALTERNATIVE PRACTITIONERS IN YOUR AREA. A Google search is a good place to start. Crosscheck your list with recommendations from your regular health care provider. Your health insurance provider might be helpful too. Alternative medicine includes FIND OUT AS MUCH AS YOU CAN ABOUT POTENTIAL PROVIDERS. Seek out medical treatments that are not information on their training, licensing and certifications. The credentials part of traditional Western medicine. required for alternative health providers vary from state to state. Verify These can be used to help that the potential provider has experience in working with patients who prevent or treat many health issues. share your condition. Don't hesitate to call the provider's office for Alternative treatments have answers to your questions. become much more accepted by patients and mainstream health CO-OPERATION IS KEY. Once you narrow down your list, make sure the care providers. alternative provider and your regular doctor are willing to work together. Patients and their providers need to establish open Alternative medicine can be communication to ensure safe, coordinated care. used alone or along with standard care. CALL YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANY and ask if they will cover the alternative provider's services. , and are the three most-covered therapies. Even when your Popular therapies include treatment is covered, you may have to pay part of the cost. The acupuncture, massage, and number of covered treatments may be limited. Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. BE SURE TO ASK HOW MUCH THE VISITS WILL COST. Find out how many appointments are typical for someone with your condition. Don't forget Thoughts, feelings and beliefs to ask if there are added costs for tests and supplements. may have a positive or negative Preparing for a first appointment with an alternative provider is no effect on the body. This different than preparing to see an M.D. Try to give your new provider a connection between thoughts full picture of everything you do to manage your health. Be sure to: and physical health is called the "mind-body connection." • Make a list of therapies you use or have used in the past for your condition. Alternative treatments should not • Be honest about your diet, exercise, alcohol and be used in place of conventional smoking patterns. treatment without talking to your • Bring a list of all the drugs (prescription or over-the-counter) health care provider. and supplements you take.

Evaluate your experience after your first visit and decide if the alternative therapy is right for you.

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