47 Members of Congress Support Consumers’ Right to Choose Their Health Practitioners

The legislators have sent House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., a letter proposing a ban on discrimination against integrative MDs, DOs, chiropractors and other well-trained and credentialed healthcare providers who have not previously been discriminated against under federal law. If discrimination is not forbidden, conventional licensed practitioners will try to use federal law, as they have… Continue reading 47 Members of Congress Support Consumers’ Right to Choose Their Health Practitioners

Integrative Practitioners—Still Far From a Level Playing Field

Integrative practitioners face an uphill battle in protecting their right to practice medicine in a manner that assesses the whole patient—mind, body, lifestyle, and genetics.  The entire U.S.  health system is designed based on a single standard of care.  Insurance rules, government reimbursement rates, treatment options, FDA and FTC regulations and enforcement, and state medical… Continue reading Integrative Practitioners—Still Far From a Level Playing Field

Alternative Medicine Find Wider Acceptance by Doctors, Insurers, and Hospitals, Yet They “Lack Value”

“Alternative medicine has become mainstream,” according to Associated Press medical writer Marilynn Marchione. “Consumer spending on it in some cases rivals that of traditional healthcare.” But after stating that major hospitals and clinics increasingly offer complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, that medical schools now teach CAM, and some health insurers promote deals for policyholders… Continue reading Alternative Medicine Find Wider Acceptance by Doctors, Insurers, and Hospitals, Yet They “Lack Value”

Finland Set to Impose Strict Curbs on Alternative Medicine—A Sign of Things to Come in Europe?

In mid-April, the Finnish health and social affairs ministry unveiled a proposal that only “healthcare professionals” should be allowed to treat mentally ill and disabled patients. The report went on to state that alternative therapies should only be offered under a doctor’s care to cancer, diabetic, pregnant women, and mental health patients. The Finnish health… Continue reading Finland Set to Impose Strict Curbs on Alternative Medicine—A Sign of Things to Come in Europe?

The Texas Medical Practice Act—A Model for 49 Other States

State medical boards across the country routinely target doctors who practice outside the rigid norm of conventional medicine. Some states, like Kentucky and North Carolina, banned the entire profession of integrative and nutritionally oriented physicians from practicing in years past. Other states, like Connecticut and Texas, are notorious for their vigorous assaults against physicians who… Continue reading The Texas Medical Practice Act—A Model for 49 Other States