icnmgrjill
07-26-2006, 10:11 AM
Dr. David Katz recently contributed a superb article to the New York Times to help patients navigate an often overly competitive "Alternative Care" market. He raises some very important points that I think we all need to be aware of:
1. Beware of charlatans. The complementary and alternative community is "especially vulnerable to abuse by charlatans." He reports that he has seen disreputable providers who told patients not to work with their doctors... including telling a patient with chest pain to avoid his cardiologist. "We see people who were prescribed complex and costly supplements, with no clear indication of what was in them."
2. Choose a regular MD who has an interest and knowledge of CAM. They can help you then explore the pros and cons of both traditional and alternative strategies.
3. Full disclosure. "If your alternative care provider will not share their ... treatment plan with your ...doctor, you should go elsewhere."
4. Focus on credentials. Look for a provider credentialed and licensed in your state.
Read the full article at:
http://health.theledger.com/article/20060710/COLUMNISTS/921/-1/RSS2&source=RSS
1. Beware of charlatans. The complementary and alternative community is "especially vulnerable to abuse by charlatans." He reports that he has seen disreputable providers who told patients not to work with their doctors... including telling a patient with chest pain to avoid his cardiologist. "We see people who were prescribed complex and costly supplements, with no clear indication of what was in them."
2. Choose a regular MD who has an interest and knowledge of CAM. They can help you then explore the pros and cons of both traditional and alternative strategies.
3. Full disclosure. "If your alternative care provider will not share their ... treatment plan with your ...doctor, you should go elsewhere."
4. Focus on credentials. Look for a provider credentialed and licensed in your state.
Read the full article at:
http://health.theledger.com/article/20060710/COLUMNISTS/921/-1/RSS2&source=RSS