Tips on Talking to Your Doctor About CAM
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If you like to use complementary or alternative medicine, also known as CAM, you need to talk to your doctor to make sure it is safe for you.
CAM refers to treatments or medications that are outside of the traditional medicine. Some examples of CAM are herbs, acupuncture, supplements, massage and chiropractic treatment. Some CAM can have an effect on conventional medicines and standard treatment. Doctors and nurses who work with you can help you decide whether CAM is right for you. They can answer your questions and point out benefits and risks. Use the tips below to help plan for your visit to talk to your doctor about CAM.
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Plan for your doctor visit:
• It is best to talk to your doctor before you start the CAM treatment. Make a list of all of your current treatment and medications.
• Gather facts on the CAM you like to use.
• Write down a list of questions you like to ask your doctor such as:
- Is it safe for you to use CAM? Will it effect any of your medications or treatment?
- Is it likely to help you?
- What else should you know about CAM and how to learn more about it?
During the doctor visit:
• Bring a current list of all of your therapies and treatments you use or plan to use, including over-the-counter and prescription medicines as well as any CAM products such as herbal and dietary supplements. Take the list with you every time you visit your doctor.
• Be sure to tell your doctor about all of your CAM treatments and CAM products. Share with your doctor on any CAM providers you have talked to.
• Ask any questions you may have. If something is not clear to you, or if you want more information, don’t be afraid to ask. You can also ask about resources on CAM.
• Take notes during your visit. Listen and keep a record of what your doctor tells you.
After your visit:
• Ask about extra time for your next visit to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
• Remember, you can always get a second opinion. This may help you better understand your diagnosis and your treatment options. It may also help you decide what works best for you.
Material content adopted from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM).
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Please always follow your health care provider’s instructions. Programs and services are subject to change.
© 2019 California Health & Wellness. All other identified trademarks/service marks remain the property of their respective companies. All rights reserved.
Tips on Talking to Your Doctor About CAM
|
If you like to use complementary or alternative medicine, also known as CAM, you need to talk to your doctor to make sure it is safe for you.
CAM refers to treatments or medications that are outside of the traditional medicine. Some examples of CAM are herbs, acupuncture, supplements, massage and chiropractic treatment. Some CAM can have an effect on conventional medicines and standard treatment. Doctors and nurses who work with you can help you decide whether CAM is right for you. They can answer your questions and point out benefits and risks. Use the tips below to help plan for your visit to talk to your doctor about CAM.
|
|
Plan for your doctor visit:
• It is best to talk to your doctor before you start the CAM treatment. Make a list of all of your current treatment and medications.
• Gather facts on the CAM you like to use.
• Write down a list of questions you like to ask your doctor such as:
- Is it safe for you to use CAM? Will it effect any of your medications or treatment?
- Is it likely to help you?
- What else should you know about CAM and how to learn more about it?
During the doctor visit:
• Bring a current list of all of your therapies and treatments you use or plan to use, including over-the-counter and prescription medicines as well as any CAM products such as herbal and dietary supplements. Take the list with you every time you visit your doctor.
• Be sure to tell your doctor about all of your CAM treatments and CAM products. Share with your doctor on any CAM providers you have talked to.
• Ask any questions you may have. If something is not clear to you, or if you want more information, don’t be afraid to ask. You can also ask about resources on CAM.
• Take notes during your visit. Listen and keep a record of what your doctor tells you.
After your visit:
• Ask about extra time for your next visit to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
• Remember, you can always get a second opinion. This may help you better understand your diagnosis and your treatment options. It may also help you decide what works best for you.
Material content adopted from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM).
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Please always follow your health care provider’s instructions. Programs and services are subject to change.
© 2019 California Health & Wellness. All other identified trademarks/service marks remain the property of their respective companies. All rights reserved.
Tips on Talking to Your Doctor About CAM
|
If you like to use complementary or alternative medicine, also known as CAM, you need to talk to your doctor to make sure it is safe for you.
CAM refers to treatments or medications that are outside of the traditional medicine. Some examples of CAM are herbs, acupuncture, supplements, massage and chiropractic treatment. Some CAM can have an effect on conventional medicines and standard treatment. Doctors and nurses who work with you can help you decide whether CAM is right for you. They can answer your questions and point out benefits and risks. Use the tips below to help plan for your visit to talk to your doctor about CAM.
|
|
Plan for your doctor visit:
• It is best to talk to your doctor before you start the CAM treatment. Make a list of all of your current treatment and medications.
• Gather facts on the CAM you like to use.
• Write down a list of questions you like to ask your doctor such as:
- Is it safe for you to use CAM? Will it effect any of your medications or treatment?
- Is it likely to help you?
- What else should you know about CAM and how to learn more about it?
During the doctor visit:
• Bring a current list of all of your therapies and treatments you use or plan to use, including over-the-counter and prescription medicines as well as any CAM products such as herbal and dietary supplements. Take the list with you every time you visit your doctor.
• Be sure to tell your doctor about all of your CAM treatments and CAM products. Share with your doctor on any CAM providers you have talked to.
• Ask any questions you may have. If something is not clear to you, or if you want more information, don’t be afraid to ask. You can also ask about resources on CAM.
• Take notes during your visit. Listen and keep a record of what your doctor tells you.
After your visit:
• Ask about extra time for your next visit to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
• Remember, you can always get a second opinion. This may help you better understand your diagnosis and your treatment options. It may also help you decide what works best for you.
Material content adopted from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM).
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Please always follow your health care provider’s instructions. Programs and services are subject to change.
© 2019 California Health & Wellness. All other identified trademarks/service marks remain the property of their respective companies. All rights reserved.