For some it may be hard to imagine what to expect from an Arizona Integrative Medicine Clinic. So this article will focus on some frequently asked questions about integrative medicine. With a better understanding of what to expect with integrative medicine, Arizona residents will be better equipped to make an educated choice on their medical needs.
What will the office visit be like?
With integrative medicine Arizona residents can expect to develop a relationship with their doctor. This is important since knowing and understanding your medical conditions requires some degree of understanding you as a person. The office visits will be much more relaxed and much less rushed than your typical visit to the doctor's office. Your initial visit will be at least 60 minutes and sometimes 90 minutes depending on the office you go to.
How does payment work with integrative medicine?
Payment will vary based on the provider you see and your insurance (if you have insurance). Most integrative medicine doctors are naturopathic physicians but the insurance coverage for their services is limited. While some do have contracts with insurance, Arizona naturopathic doctors have less insurance coverage then say Oregon or Washington naturopathic doctors. However most HSA plans will cover the charges billed from naturoapthic doctors Arizona.
MD's and DO's practicing integrative medicine will have more insurance coverage (if they want it) but this is not always a good thing for you and your health. Insurance companies dictate the length of your visit to some degree. As a result visits can sometimes be cut short resulting in a poor doctor patient relationship. This is the holistic element of integrative medicine that cannot be practiced without taking the time to get to know you.
What is integrative medicine?
With the emergence of integrative medicine Arizona patients have new medical options without need of worry for the adverse effects, and with the reassurance that these options have scientific validity. This is the need that integrative medicine fills. For a definition we look to National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine(NCCAM).
Integrative medicine is defined by the NCCAM as combining mainstream medical therapies with CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) therapies. CAM therapies can be .... anything from Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine to herbal medicine and meditation. The thing that integrative medicine seeks to do is, give validity to treatments and approaches that are different from conventional medicines but actually work. By work, we mean they have scientific validity supporting them. Some treatments have more scientific validity than others. Often times this is because someone has taken the time and resources to fund and research the treatment. The number of alternative treatments with evidence to support their use is growing but more research is needed.
Can an Arizona integrative medicine doctor work as my primary care doctor?
In short, yes they can. However not all integrative medicine doctors are comfortable with all aspects of conventional medicine. Some medical conditions require conventional medicines because alternatives are not available or don't work effectively enough. Check with a doctor that you can relate to and trust.
You can expect something different with integrative medicine Arizona or phoenix, longer visits, effective integration of conventional and alternative medicines, and an interest in you as an individual.
To learn more about about Integrative medicine Arizona click in the link below for a free consult with a naturopathic physician.
