Alt Med - Summary & Conclusion (20 of 20)

NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)

You cannot talk about “Alternative Medicine” without discussing NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM).  The creation of this office (early 1990’s) was spearheaded by promoters of questionable cancer therapies who wanted more attention paid to their methods. As of 2009, its annual budget is $122 million. There has been significant political interference around its founding, which continues presently. However, it has not proved the effectiveness of any "alternative" method!! In addition, there has been a close affiliation with the anti-vaccination (and autism quackery) movement.

Government Benefits

Consider that the Illinois State Employee Benefit Plan covers 80 percent of charges for prayer services. The military health plan and Federal Employee Health Benefits program also provides some reimbursement. (chicagotribune.com)

The IRS allows the cost of prayer sessions to be counted among itemized medical expenses for income tax purposes. (latimes.com)

Health Insurance Coverage

A recent survey of 18 major HMOs and insurance providers, including Aetna, Medicare, Prudential, and Kaiser Permanente, found that 14 of them covered at least 11 of 34 alternative therapies. (about.com)

What to look for in the media (quackwatch.org)

Claims may be unscientific if:

· the pitch claim is made directly to the media.

· there is the claim that the establishment is trying to suppress work.

· the effect is at the limits of detection.

· the evidence in anecdotal.

· there is a statement that the belief is credible because it has been around for centuries.

· the discoverer has worked in isolation.

· there is a proposal of a new law of nature to explain an observation.

“Red Flags”:

· Marketing of herbs or dietary supplements

· Lack of full disclosure of relevant facts

· Promotion of products lacking a rational use

· No advice regarding who should not use product

· Promotion of Homeopathy products

· General promotion of “alternative”, “complementary” and/or “integrative” methods

· Promotion of “non-toxic”, “natural”, “holistic” and/or “miraculous” treatments

· Acupuncture is effective against a long list of diseases

· Chelation therapy is an effective substitute for coronary bypass surgery

· Chiropractic treatment is effective against a large number of diseases

· Herbs are generally superior to prescription drugs.

· Homeopathic products are effective remedies.

· Prayer can influence the course of disease.

· Spines should be checked and adjusted regularly by a chiropractor

Before making a decision regarding any non-scientific modality, I recommend perusing the "What's the Harm" website. Still want to use Alternative Medicine? Fine, but don’t ask me to pay for it through taxes or insurance.

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**Note: This series presented a significant sample of the most common "Alternative Medicine" practices. However, it is certainly not all inclusive.