How do I Choose the Best Center for Integrative Medicine?

To choose the best center for integrative medicine, you should first ensure that the center offers the various treatment modalities that you are interested in. Investigate the credentials of its staff members, particularly any medical doctors on staff. You should also find out whether the center for integrative medicine accepts insurance for all or any of its services. Finally, it is often a good idea to ask for referrals from other health care professionals as well as friends and family.

If you are interested in alternative medicine but want the security of working with medical doctors who are familiar with traditional treatments and diagnostic techniques, choosing a center for integrative medicine may be the best way to benefit from both approaches. Typically a center for integrative medicine will be staffed by one or more licensed physicians along with various practitioners of alternative healing modalities and holistic therapies. Patients may have the option of first visiting with the center to be referred to the center's various holistic health practitioners, or they may simply be able to select which practitioners, if any, they wish to work with.

Ask the center for integrative medicine what types of healing modalities are offered by its staff. For example, many holistic medicine practices contract with massage therapists, chiropractors, and nutritionists. Other healing modalities offered may include herbalism, homeopathy, and acupuncture. In some cases, practice of these holistic therapies is regulated by law, so it is a good idea to find out whether the practitioners at the clinic are properly licensed. You should also find out about any educational credentials or certifications held by the practitioners of alternative therapies.

Some health insurance companies cover the services offered at integrative medicine practices. Insurance coverage is not always available for every service, and in some cases you may be expected to pay up front for services and then request insurance reimbursement. To prevent unpleasant surprises, talk with the integrative medicine center's insurance specialist about what services are covered. You should do this prior to receiving services.

Word-of-mouth referrals can be very helpful in finding a quality center for integrative medicine. If your doctor is affiliated with the hospital that has its own center for integrative medicine, that can be a great choice, as it can facilitate cohesive and comprehensive health care for you and your family. You can also ask people you know if they can recommend a holistic health center that they themselves have used in the past.