Has alternative medicine become mainstream?

[MDsearch.com]

The debate surrounding healthcare reform is heating up, and there is certainly plenty to discuss. Public plans, reimbursements, taxing benefits – these hot topics are in the news every day, but another part of the debate surrounding reform is whether or not alternative medicine should be covered by insurance. Senators Harkin and Mikulski are currently sponsoring an amendment to ensure healthcare plans cannot “discriminate” against any healthcare provider who has a license issued by the state. The proposed legislation would provide coverage for a wide range of alternative therapies, despite the often conflicting studies regarding their effectiveness. [1]


Whether or not alternative therapies “work,” an increasing number of Americans are using them. A 2008 study published by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) indicates almost 40% of adult Americans are using some form of alternative or complementary medicine, such as herbal supplements, acupuncture, meditation, massage, aromatherapy and others. [2] While most of these alternative therapies have not been scientifically proven effective, patients seem more and more willing to try them, but how willing are you to integrate them into your current treatment plans?

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