Approaching Complementary and Alternative Therapies:

The decision to use complementary and alternative treatments is an important one. The following are topics to consider before selecting an alternative therapy: the safety and effectiveness of the therapy or treatment, the expertise and qualifications of the health care practitioner, and the quality of the service delivery. These topics should be considered when selecting any practitioner or therapy.

Assess the Safety and Effectiveness of the Therapy

Generally, safety means that the benefits outweigh the risks of a treatment or therapy. A safe product or practice is one that does no harm when used under defined conditions and as intended.
Effectiveness is the likelihood of benefit from a practice, treatment, or technology applied under typical conditions by the average practitioner for the typical patient.

Examine the Practitioner's Expertise

Health consumers may want to take a close look into the background, qualifications, and competence of any potential health care practitioner, whether a physician or a practitioner of alternative and complementary health care.

Consider the Service Delivery

The quality of the service delivery, or how the treatment or therapy is given and under what conditions, is an important issue. However, quality of service is not necessarily related to the effectiveness or safety of a treatment or practice.
Visit the practitioner's office, clinic, or hospital. Ask the practitioner how many patients he or she typically sees in a day or week, and how much time the practitioner spends with the patient. Look at the conditions of the office or clinic.
Many issues surround quality of service delivery, and each one individually does not provide conclusive and complete information. For example, are the costs of the service excessive for what is delivered? Can the service be obtained only in one place, requiring travel to that place? These issues may serve as warning signs of poor service.

Consider the Costs

Costs are an important factor to consider as many complementary and alternative treatments are not currently reimbursed by health insurance. Many patients pay directly for these services. Ask your practitioner and your health insurer which treatments or therapies are reimbursable.
Find out what several practitioners charge for the same treatment to better assess the appropriateness of costs. Regulatory agencies and professional associations also may provide cost information.

Consult Your Healthcare Provider

Most importantly, discuss all issues concerning treatments and therapies with your health care provider, whether a physician or practitioner of CAM. Competent health care management requires knowledge of both conventional and alternative therapies for the practitioner to have a complete picture of your treatment plan.

More Information: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Information
NCCAM Clearinghouse, USA
Toll-free within the USA: 1-888-644-6226
International: +1(301)-519-3153
TTY (for deaf or hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615 
E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov 
Web site: nccam.nih.gov

Note: See also the paper: "Conventional vs. unconventional treatment"