By Jennifer Fisher Wilson General internist Matthew M. Hine, MD, MPH, usually meets with new patients for an hour and a half before deciding whether to prescribe conventional medicine, like antibiotics, or an alternative, like chelation therapy or botanical supplements, or a combination of the two. Dr. Hine said his mix of conventional and alternative medicine ensures that standards are high.
Medical doctors have a responsibility to guide patient care responsibly.
Plus, offering alternative options keeps his patients happy and his solo practice in Colorado Springs, Colo., thriving. Even though most health plans don't cover alternative therapies beyond chiropractic and acupuncture treatments, they are increasingly looking to cover a wider range of alternative care. And patients often desire these alternatives enough to pay for them out of pocket. For example, Dr. Hine gets reimbursed for some alternative therapy by American Western Life Insurance, a preferred provider organization with a wellness plan that offers members holistic options for care. He said many of his patients with other coverage pay out of pocket for the unconventional therapy.