A Beginner’s Guide to Working with an Integrative Physician
You may have wondered what integrative healthcare is all about. Perhaps you’ve been dealing with a chronic condition that traditional medicine hasn’t been able to relieve. Doctors who provide holistic care go beyond treating symptoms; they address the underlying causes of illness.
If you’re not sure what to expect from an integrative health visit, that’s okay. Here are some steps to take to help you prepare for your first visit to an integrative medicine physician near you.
Understand What Integrative or Holistic Medicine Is
An integrative medical physician possesses traditional medical school credentials and has undergone additional years of training in their specialty. Their approach to healthcare merges conventional methods and evidence-based complementary approaches that treat the whole person, not just their disease. Integrative medicine is patient-centered and recognizes that overall well-being is influenced by a combination of physical, mental, cognitive, and environmental factors that work together to affect your overall health.
The most crucial feature of integrative medicine is its goal of uncovering the root cause of your condition, which goes beyond merely treating the outward symptoms. This approach helps ensure that your medical issues are less likely to recur. Identifying the underlying causes also makes it easier for your provider to modify your treatment plan to suit your health goals, medical history, and symptoms.
The world of integrative medicine encompasses a variety of therapies, treatments, and consultative services. It’s also important to note that not all integrative medical clinics offer the same services. That said, most qualified holistic clinics typically provide the following:
- Nutritional guidance
- Intravenous (IV) wellness therapies
- Cognitive support
- Pain management therapies
- Regenerative treatments
- Functional lab testing and diagnostic imaging
- Therapies for Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive health in some clinics
Conduct a Comprehensive Self-Assessment
Once you have a thorough understanding of integrative medicine and its purpose, the next step in preparing for your healthcare appointment is to take a personal healthcare inventory. This involves your current physical and mental well-being, medical concerns, and your reasons for pursuing integrative healthcare. Your self-assessment should include the following:
- Issues, concerns, or ailments you currently face
- Health goals you want to accomplish
- Integrative therapies you’re interested in and why
- Why you might benefit from working with an integrative health provider
Taking a thorough self-assessment can help you communicate your needs more effectively to your healthcare specialist, which enables them to recommend the best treatment plan for you.
Find the Right Integrative Practitioner in Your Area
When researching integrative physicians, give preference to those who are patient-centered, open-minded, and willing to collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure you have an all-inclusive treatment plan. Other qualities to look for include
- Good communication and active listening skills
- Adoption of empirically supported treatments
- Commitment to prevention and root-cause treatment, not just symptom management
- Conventional medical training and a medical license in your state
Because integrative medicine is comprehensive, it’s best to have other integrative healthcare professionals working with your physician to provide the care you need. At the Blatman Health and Wellness Center, we have a team of dedicated individuals trained in holistic care who are ready to support you. In addition to primary care, you’ll have access to massage therapy, nursing expertise, acupuncture, full spectrum infrared sauna, cold plunge, nutrition counseling, and other practitioners who will make sure no stone is left unturned when it comes to your health.
Prepare for Your Initial Consultation
Preparing for your first visit with your integrative medicine doctor ensures you can communicate your concerns and that you get the most out of the treatments and guidance you receive. When scheduling your appointment, ask if you should arrive early to complete any necessary forms, how long the appointment will likely take, and what information you need to bring.
Before the day of your session, generate a list of questions, and don’t be afraid to ask them! There are other things you might think of to mention, but at the very least, address what you perceive to be your primary problem and why it’s important to you that it gets addressed. As long as you’re bringing notes, write down the details of your condition or health issue as well.
Get the Most Out of Your Holistic Health Experience
At Blatman Health and Wellness Center, our holistic medical professionals offer personalized care plans that address your underlying medical issues while also treating your symptoms. Seeking care from Dr. Blatman means you’ll be in good hands. He holds credentials in pain management and is board-certified in integrative and holistic medicine, as well as occupational and environmental medicine. If you’re new to integrative medicine, a little preparation and knowledge before your first appointment can ensure you get the most out of your healthcare.
