It can be frustrating to make an appointment with a new doctor only to be disappointed in the care you receive. Perhaps they’re more focused on treating your disease rather than you as a person. If it’s integrative medicine you need, it can be frustrating if your physician pushes expensive supplements without explaining their benefits or makes you feel powerless in your healthcare.
In Cincinnati, finding a practitioner of integrative or holistic medicine is easy. However, choosing the right one for you requires some research. You also need to know the characteristics of the doctors who provide the best, well-rounded care and adhere the most to the principles of integrative medicine.
What to Look for When Choosing an Integrative Practitioner in Cincinnati
Background and Credentials
It’s important to check a doctor’s education, training, and licensure. You can search for your prospective physician online to see if they hold such designations as the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine (A.B.I.H.M.) or the newer Board Certification in Integrative Medicine. Remember that credentialing for integrative and holistic practitioners varies by state.
Experience with Your Medical Issue
Even if you want to achieve general well-being through holistic care, it’s essential to find a doctor with experience in addressing your specific issue or condition. For example, if you need treatment for chronic back pain, you want a physician who can understand your unique needs and recommend the safest and most effective therapies.
Evidence-Based Care
Even if it doesn’t fall in the category of Western medicine, an integrative or complementary treatment should be based on rigorous testing and have scientific support. Avoid doctors who offer therapies that promise quick fixes or don’t have research backing.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
To get a sense of how a doctor practices medicine and communicates with others, see what current or former patients say about them. Check the physician’s website for patient testimonials. Find out what they say about their health outcomes and the relationships they’ve developed with their provider. Also, talk to your family and friends who have experience with integrative doctors.
A Good Personal Fit
Integrative medicine requires a partnership between patient and provider to work. You want a doctor you get along with, someone who can put you at ease. More importantly, you want a physician who will respect your knowledge of your own body and empower you to make treatment decisions that are right for you. You may need at least one office visit to determine your comfort level with a doctor and the rest of their medical team.
Quality Integrative Medicine at Blatman Health and Wellness Center
Choosing a local holistic doctor is an important decision. You want a provider willing to work in partnership with you and treat you as a person with unique medical needs and issues.
Dr. Blatman is the founder and medical director of Blatman Health and Wellness Center, the first clinic in Cincinnati offering both conventional and holistic pain treatment. Dr. Blatman specializes in treating myofascial pain and is Board Certified in Integrative and Holistic Medicine. Schedule your appointment today by calling our Cincinnati office at 513.956.3200 or making a request online.