Complementary and Alternative Medicine
What is the difference between conventional medicine, integrative medicine and CAM?
Conventional medicine is what we all are familiar with. That is to say; Medicine that is practiced by M.D.'s (medical doctors) or D.O.'s (doctors of osteopathy) and by allied health professionals such as physical therapists, psychologists, and registered nurses.
CAM is the abbreviation for: Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
- Complementary medicine is used in conjunction with conventional medicine.
- Alternative medicine is used instead of conventional medicine.
When conventional medicine practitioners incorporate CAM practices, it is known as Integrative Medicine.
Anyone who has health insurance knows immediately the difference between conventional and non-conventional. If your insurance doesn't pay for it, then it probably is not conventional. Although, CAM therapies are sometimes covered by insurance, such as; chiropractic, accupuncture, massage therapy, biofeedback, and naturopathy. You will need to check your insurance policy or contact your provider to know for sure.
Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine
: The New Approach to Using the Best of Natural Therapies and Conventional Medicine.
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