09 | 6 | 2007 Posted By Regan Zambri & Long

Complementary and Alternative Medicing: Tips for Choosing Safer Treatments

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) interventions have become popular among U.S. patients; sometimes as a final treatment effort when medical interventions fail, and sometimes as an outright substitute for standard medicine.  Accepted by some medical professionals, and hotly criticized by others, the most universally-shared concern about CAM interventions is that in most cases, they haven't been subjected to the rigorous scientific scrutiny common of standard medicine.  A benign but ineffective therapy can become dangerous if it keeps a patient from seeking medical attention for a worsening condition, and some alternative therapies are even dangerous in and of themselves.  If you've considered trying an alternative or non-medical therapy for a health problem, the AARP offers the following advice to help ensure you're not jeopardizing your safety:
  • "Talk to your doctor. If you plan on using CAM treatment, tell your regular doctor, even if you think he or she will disapprove or discourage you. More doctors are becoming open to learning about different treatments as CAM grows more popular. If you're taking medicine or getting other treatment from your regular family doctor or specialist, you don't want CAM therapies to interfere or cause harm.
  • Don't rush. Take your time making a decision about CAM treatment - do as much research and talk to as many people as you can. Some alternative treatments are useless, some can be harmful, others can be helpful.
  • Do a reality check. Be careful of anything you read or hear about that promises a miracle cure, medical breakthrough, new discovery, or cure-all. Don't assume something is safe just because it's labeled "natural," especially herbs or food supplements. Before you pull a product off the shelf at a drugstore or health food store, or order it online, talk with a nutritionist, herbalist, doctor, or pharmacist.
  • Check sources of all information. Some companies promote certain therapies that don't work to make money. Look for research to support evidence that a treatment works and check more than one source of information."
To help educate yourself regarding the therapy you're inclined to try, the organization suggests asking the following questions:
  • "What kind of track record does this type of care have in treating my condition?
  • Is this treatment safe? What are the risks and benefits? What are the side effects?
  • How many people with my condition use this kind of treatment?
  • How long has this treatment been used for my condition?
  • What does this treatment involve? What should I expect to happen when I get the treatment?
  • What kind of facilities and providers will I be using?
  • Are the facilities clean and up-to date?
  • Are the providers experienced and properly trained? Are their diplomas or resumes available to review in the office?"
Previously on the D.C. Metro Area Medical Malpractice Law Blog, we have posted articles related to:
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