Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Kelley V. Lawrence, IBCLC, MD, Mollie R Lerner, DO, MS and Lauren A Griffin, D.O. Reviewed 04/2024

BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are systems, practices, and products that are used in conjunction with or in place of conventional medicine

Integrative medicine is the ...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

Impact of medical condition on patient’s life
Patient’s beliefs and goals
Patient’s attitudes and experiences with conventional and alternative medical treatments
All drugs being taken, ...

TREATMENT

Variable evidence supports the safety and efficacy of:

Back pain: chiropractic therapy (2), OMT, massage therapy
Nausea, including that associated with chemotherapy: ginger (2)
Migraine pro...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Maintain contact and share records between primary care provider and CAM providers. .

Patient Monitoring

When discussing current medication regimen, ask specific...

REFERENCES

Urits I, Schwartz RH, Orhurhu V, et al. A comprehensive review of alternative therapies for the management of chronic pain patients: acupuncture, tai chi, osteopathic manipulative medicine...

ADDITIONAL READING

CODES

ICD10

Z76.89 Persons encountering health services in other specified circumstances

SNOMED

225423004 Complementary therapy
182548004 Chiropraxy (regime/therapy)
440644000 Holistic massage therapy (re...

CLINICAL PEARLS

CAM allows clinicians to take a holistic approach to health, by focusing on treating the patient, and not just the disease.
Outcomes of CAM are best measured in terms of the patient’s s...

Subscribe to Access Full Content

START 10-DAY FREE TRIAL

Subscribe Now

Forgot password?

Enter an Access Code

GET CME/CE