title: Tapping the potential of alternative medicine.
abstract: Interest in alternative medicine is growing among healthcare consumers. Health plans and healthcare organizations may be able to improve clinical outcomes and benefit financially by providing patients with access to alternative services. Organizations that can assess their communities' particular needs, draw on interested professional staff to help develop alternative medicine programs and protocols, and study quality outcomes will stand a better chance of making such programs successful. Educating medical staff, designing a credible program, and forging strategic alliances with respected partners can help organizations create a sharply focused brand identity in the community.
authors.affiliation: Alexian Brothers Medical Center, Elk Grove Village, IL, USA.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: La Puma
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Eiler
mesh_terms: D018672:Community Health Planning; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D019458:Insurance Coverage; D007449:Investments; D008487:Medical History Taking; D011357:Product Line Management / Q000379:methods*; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods*; D012308:Risk Management; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States