Integrative Medicine and Public Policy

This chapter, “Integrative Medicine and Public Policy,” summarizes the public resources supporting the development of integrative medicine and some of the policy and regulatory implications of the model of integrative care that starts with the personal perspective of the patient. This chapter focuses on patient self-education, research on complementary health approaches and the development of an evidence-base for the practice of integrative medicine, professional standards for integrative medicine for complementary and alternative medicine providers, and the costs of complementary and alternative medical care and reimbursement practices. The promise of integrative medicine more effectively engaging patients in their own self care could lead to better outcomes at lower cost, with improved patient satisfaction and adherence.