The integration of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is increasing in medical clinics, hospitals and community health centers across the country. White River Rural Health Center, Inc. is a JCAHO accredited community health center, which has12 clinic sites with a 15-member board of directors located 75 miles north of Little Rock. The Kensett Family Medical Center, one of our 12 clinics in Arkansas, is located in a community of 1700 people. This facility records over 350 encounters per week in all disciplines, which includes primary care (MD, Nurse Practitioner), behavioral care (MD, PhD, and counselors) and chiropractic care (DC) all integrated into one clinic. Since this facility has been in operation over two years, it has been most positive for the patients in that they have a choice of treatment. For example: A patient, who presents with a headache, can receive a medication, a chiropractic adjustment, or both. Some patients choose to see a medical doctor for medication to help relieve their symptoms (headache), as well as follow up with the chiropractor to help eliminate the problem. Our providers share the same chart for all the different services we offer. This is important because only 4 out of 10 patients tell their primary care physicians they are using alternative treatments. By sharing the charts, the caregiver can find the information about any concurrent care. This information includes medications, herbs, or other CAM or mainstream medical treatments the patient is currently receiving.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: White River Rural Health Center,Inc.
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.