How to Price a Holistic Medicine Practitioner

Holistic medicine offers a wide range of natural treatments for a number of diseases and disorders. You can treat ailments ranging from chronic pain caused by arthritis to cancer. Since most holistic medicine is paid out of pocket, it's important to be familiar with the price range of different practitioners. If your insurance covers alternative medicine, find out what your deductible is before you start spending. Follow these steps to find a holistic medicine practitioner.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Figure Out Your Treatment Needs

1. Research your specific condition or ailment and read about the different ways holistic practitioners would treat it. Start with a resource book like "The American Holistic Health Association Complete Guide to Alternative Medicine" (see Resources below).
2. Make notes on how much the items you'll need for treatment cost. Do you need to buy herbs, vitamins and self-treatment supplies? Or, will you need to pay for a series of treatments from a practitioner? Some conditions will require both.
3. Chart your symptoms. Keep notes so that your practitioner can help find the right treatment(s) for you.
4. Find out whether or not your insurance company offers coverage for alternative medicine. Some companies offer coverage for massage therapy, acupuncture and chiropractic treatments.

Evaluate the Cost

5. Search for a holistic practitioner in your area, using the Holistic Health Network Web site (see Resources below).
6. Set up a consultation with a few practitioners near you. Use this consultation session as an interview. Choose the practitioner you interact with the best. Make your choice, and schedule a follow-up session with that practitioner.
7. Ask how much your first visit will cost you.
8. Know how often you'll have to visit to receive treatment and the cost for these follow-up appointments.
9. Talk about payment and any possibilities in price changes.
10. Learn whether or not your practitioner accepts insurance.
11. Check that your treatment is covered by your insurance company if your plan covers alternative therapies.
12. Inquire about payment plans and options.
13. Find out about tax deductible treatments. There are occasions where low income households may receive tax breaks.

Tips & Warnings

• The price of a holistic treatment will vary depending on the number of treatments you need, whether or not your insurance company offers coverage and whether your practitioner offers payment plans.
• If you're receiving treatment at an office that's not in your home town, include mileage and gas costs in your estimate of the cost of treatment.
• If you're experiencing severe symptoms of high fever, diarrhea and/or vomiting, visit an emergency room right away.
• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. If you decide to try holistic medicine, keep your doctor informed about the folk medical technique you undertake.