N.C. A retired cardiologist and thoracic surgeon, Dr. Dixon opened an acupuncture clinic in 1997. He wanted to help patients suffering with bone and muscle problems for which medical care offers little relief. Although Dr. Dixon thinks that some patients improve their conditions with proven alternative therapies, he said people should first see their primary care physician to rule out medical problems. In this field, there are charlatans to serious tree huggers. Some accepted therapies Mostly in an effort to ferret out fraud, Illinois and Kentucky have listed accepted complementary and alternative medicine therapies.
Complementary medicine is here to stay.
Some treatments have potential benefits to patients and the public we protect. Dr. Tornelli-Mitchell called on state boards to approve guidelines to regulate the types of alternative treatments available to the public. Unregulated practice is an endangerment to the public. Regardless of the treatment, Dr. Tornelli-Mitchell said alternative medicine providers and physicians must keep accurate medical records, document treatment plans carefully and provide patients with informed consent. On the other hand, Kentucky recognizes the danger of consumer fraud.