How to Price a Homeopathic Practitioner

The cost of medical treatment is astronomical these days. Even the cost of visiting the doctor for a routine check-up is more than many families can afford, which is why more Americans are turning to homeopathy for their health needs. Homeopathic treatment is less expensive and less damaging to the body because it does not use toxins or harsh synthetic compounds to treat disease. Instead, a homeopathic practitioner will teach you to restore balance in your body and stimulate your own natural defenses against most common, and many uncommon, ailments with diluted, safe natural compounds.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

How to Find a Homeopathic Practitioner in Your Price Range

1. Ask for recommendations from your friends, family, yoga instructor or local organic grocer. You'll be surprised how many people around you use homeopathy; let them steer you toward an affordable practitioner.
2. Look for affordable practitioners or local homeopathy schools online. For true savings, you can ask to work with a homeopathy student who is close to completing a course of study but has not yet set up a practice. If you'd rather stick with a more established practitioner, you can search for one through the Web site of the National Center for Homeopathy (see Resources below).
3. Find out in what area a potential homeopathic practitioner specializes. A generalist can help you with a wide range of illnesses at a lower price, but may not have as much knowledge about a particular ailment as a specialist.
4. Contact your insurance agent and ask whether your insurance plan covers homeopathy. If your current plan doesn't cover homeopathic treatment, consider switching to an insurance plan that does. You can also ask your insurance agent whether his or her agency offers any plans that can accommodate homeopathic practitioners.
5. See your Human Resources Director. Many progressive companies include homeopathy and other alternative treatments in the coverage they provide their employees. Even if your plans don't currently cover homeopathic treatments, ask your HR Director about surveying current employees to see how many would use such coverage were it offered.

Tips & Warnings

• Homeopathy is cheaper than conventional medical treatment and finding a good homeopathic practitioner can bring you better health and a longer life, while keeping more dollars in your wallet.
• Find a homeopathic practitioner with a solid education. Many homeopaths were once conventional doctors who recognized the benefits of this 'alternative' medicine and incorporated it into their treatment options. Others spend 3 to 4 years studying different types of medicines for an overall approach to fighting disease.
• While the price of homeopathy is less than conventional medicine, there are many serious, life-threatening diseases that can only be treated by a doctor. If you experience acute symptoms such as pain in the kidneys, consistent vomiting or diarrhea or persistent dizziness, visit an emergency room or see your physician immediately.
• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary healthcare provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.