Board Certified Holistic Medical Doctors On Rise

By Jeanne W. Shiffman, MD, DABFP

Steinmetz Integrative & Functional Medicine Center

More Complementary & Integrative Healthcare Articles

Board Certified Holistic Medical Doctors On Rise

Holistic family medical practices are sprouting up across the U.S. in response to patient demand to offer comprehensive medical care using both Eastern and Western methods.

Board-certified physicians trained in traditional family medicine are seeking additional training and licensures in effective complementary medicine tools. Acupuncture, supplements, herbs, homeopathy, and osteopathy treatments are having significant success for patient wellness.

Chronic diseases or conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, menopause, or special health issues such as thyroid disorders, infertility, or recurring common ailments like digestive problems, high stress lifestyles, and fatigue respond well using a combination of approaches, all of which are backed by proven research and studies.

A few reasons why patients choose holistic family medicine practitioners

A board certified holistic family doctor is trained to focus on treating the whole person.

Addressing the underlying cause of health problems can help eliminate recurring ailments for good, such is the case with fungal nail and digestive conditions.

Detailed analysis of your current and past health is explored during in-depth interviews including an initial hour-long interview. Thorough lab testing is the gold standard to create a complete picture, reduce misdiagnosis, and tailor highly individualized treatment plans.

A responsible holistic family practitioner embraces all modalities pharmaceuticals, supplements, herbs in the right amount.

With holistic care, wellness is an ongoing process and doesn't stop after you leave the doctor's office. By regularly monitoring labs and layering an ongoing treatment plan with acupuncture, osteopathic manipulation, and diet and exercise patients may reach the pinnacle of wellness and maintain long-term health with the added benefit of combating the aging process by gradually implementing changes.

What about insurance?

Many holistic doctors do not participate with insurance plans, but are usually helpful at working with insurance to optimize eligible benefits. It is even possible for patients to realize cost-savings when optimizing out-of-pocket expenses from self-treatment. Some patients plan annual holistic care investments with their doctor and leverage flexible benefit programs to cover the costs of acupuncture, supplements, and herbs tax-free.

So, there are doctors who focus on both Eastern and Western medical practices, which may be just what you are looking for. And, what's most important is for you to get the healthcare you need. Don't put off your health be proactive and take action today.