Small News/Politics Graphic Majority of HMOs Plan to Offer Alternative Medicine in Near Future
From Natural Healthline by Peter Barry Chowka

A new study that examines HMOs' (Health Maintenance Organizations) opinions of complementary alternative medicine (CAM) has found that a majority of HMOs plan to offer CAM to their members in the immediate future, with chiropractic and acupuncture emerging as the top two alternative choices.

The study, "Health Maintenance Organizations and Alternative Medicine: A Closer Look," surveyed marketing or medical directors at HMOs in 13 states with maturing managed care markets: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington. The directors were asked about various alternative medicine issues, such as whether more of their members are requesting these therapies. The study was underwritten by Landmark Healthcare, a Sacramento-based managed care company interested in enhancing awareness of complementary and alternative care options, particularly chiropractic.

Among the highlights of the survey:

According to Sheri Warren Chow, coordinator of Landmark's research project, "The Harvard Study [the seminal report by Harvard's David Eisenberg et. al. published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1993 -- 328 (4):246 - Special Article] found that more than one in three Americans has used alternative medicine, but little research has been done to examine health plans' opinions of alternative care. Additional research on this topic is warranted and essential if we wish to gain a greater understanding of the impact these therapies will have on the health care industry."

Natural HealthLine reported last month on the high profile entry this fall of one of the nation's most successful managed care companies, Oxford Health Plans, into the alternative medicine field.

A brochure detailing the final results of Landmark's survey is available by sending an email to Sheri Chow.

Or, visit the Landmark Healthcare web site.


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