Integrating Complementary Health Practices Into Managed Care

Abstract

Complementary practice going mainstream? Many health care plans are proving it as they acknowledge the consumer interest in complementary practices and know that in this consumer-driven health care marketplace they must meet the needs of their current and future members. The focus needs to be on "complementary," not "alternative," and for true integration to happen a lot of hurdles still need to be overcome. One of the key tenets of complementary practice is prevention. The health care system is beginning to reshape benefit packages and membership offerings to meet the consumer need for wider health care choices. This article explains the beginnings of the integration of complementary health practices into managed care. We are headed for revolutionary changes in the use of complemen tary practices as the consumer demands a health care system where East meets West! This article provides resources so readers can access the data and experience of others as we move to widen the boundaries of the health care system.

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