How do I Find a Doctor Who Does Maggot Therapy?
Approved by the Food And Drug Administration in 2004, the use of maggots and leeches for medicinal purposes may sound old-fashioned. But according to several groups, including the BioTherapies, Education and Research Foundation, the use of maggots has proven health benefits. Maggot Debridement Therapy uses live maggots for cleaning wounds that aren't healing properly. These maggots do three things. First, they remove dead cells from the skin's surface. Second, they disinfect the skin by removing bacteria. Third, they speed the rate of healing in an open wound. FDA rules state that a patient must have a doctor's prescription to purchase maggots for this purpose.
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Instructions
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HOW TO FIND A DOCTOR FOR MAGGOT THERAPY
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Begin at your current doctor's office. Ask your physician if he currently prescribes maggot therapy for the healing of wounds.
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Ask your doctor for a referral to another physician who prescribes maggot therapy.
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Contact licensed companies that distribute medicinal-grade maggots. Monarch Labs, based in Irvine, California, is a good place to start. While this company cannot sell you maggots without a prescription, they can give you information on which doctors in your area have ordered maggots in the past.
Monarch Labs
17875 Sky Park Circle
Suite K
Irvine, CA 92614
949-679-3000
Monarchlabs.com
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Email Pam Mitchell. Mitchell, who wrote the book "Maggots, Miracles and Me," is one of the Unites States' most outspoken supporters of maggot therapy. A former patient, Mitchell keeps a list of U.S. doctors who have prescribed maggot therapy in the past. Mitchell can be contacted at pamsmaggotinfo@aol.com.
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Research online for a doctor in your area. The BTER Foundation is currently working on such a list; the list was scheduled to be published in March 2010, but has yet to be made public as of August 2010.
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Call your insurance provider to make sure it covers maggot therapy under your health care plan.
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Tips & Warnings
Expect to pay about $100 for an order of maggots.
Even if your doctor will prescribe maggots, don't assume he or she will perform the therapy. You may have to seek out another medical professional for this task. Mitchell also says maggot therapy can be performed by the patient.
Applying maggots to open wounds is considered alternative medicine. Be prepared for traditional doctors to hesitate when you request this type of treatment.
