Coordinating Complementary and Medical Care

Complementary, alternative and integrative: what they mean

NCCIH says a non-mainstream approach used together with conventional medicine is "complementary," and one used in place of it is "alternative." [1] Integrative health brings conventional and complementary approaches together in a coordinated way. [1] The National Cancer Institute uses similar definitions. [2] Coordination is what turns separate treatments into one plan.

Tell everyone what you use

NCCIH asks people to tell all their health care providers, complementary and conventional, about all the health approaches they use, so that they have a full picture and can ensure coordinated and safe care. [3] Include supplements, herbs and teas, not only sessions with practitioners. NCCIH also says the practitioner should be willing to work in collaboration with your other providers. [3] A simple way to start is a one-page list of everything you use, shown at each appointment.

A short checklist for visits

• Bring or write down: prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, teas and any therapies with their dates.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about interactions. NCCIH notes some products may interact in harmful ways with medications. [3]
• Ask each practitioner to share notes with your doctor if you agree.
• Do not stop prescribed medicine on advice from anyone else without first talking to your doctor. [4]

Cancer care: the clearest example

NCCIH states that no complementary health approach has been shown to prevent or cure cancer. [5] Some approaches, such as acupuncture, mindfulness-based stress reduction and yoga, may help manage cancer symptoms and side effects of treatment. [5] For example, several evaluations have concluded that acupuncture can help manage treatment-related nausea and vomiting. [5] But some approaches can interfere with treatment: some herbs may make chemotherapy drugs less effective. [5]

NCCIH advice for people with cancer is to consult their health care providers before using any complementary health approach, and not to replace or delay medical treatment for cancer with unproven products or practices. [5] The National Cancer Institute also urges people to tell their doctor which complementary approaches they are using. [2] Practices may need to be adapted: massage therapists may need to modify their usual techniques with people who have cancer. [5] And because chemotherapy and radiation weaken the immune system, acupuncturists must follow strict clean-needle procedures. [5]

Before surgery or procedures

Tell your surgical team about every supplement and therapy. We did not find a source for general timing rules that we could verify across all therapies, so ask your surgeon or pharmacist what applies to you; see also supplements before surgery.

Choosing practitioners who will coordinate

See choosing a qualified practitioner and naturopathic and integrative consultation. If you have a long-term condition, also read therapies and existing health conditions.

When coordination is urgent

In a US emergency call 911. If you are on cancer treatment, ask your cancer care team before you start anything new.