Current trends in the integration and reimbursement of complementary and alternative medicine by managed care, insurance carriers, and hospital providers.

TLDR: Assessment of managed care and insurance coverage of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and the integration of such services offered by hospitals found consumer demand for CAM is motivating more insurers and hospitals to assess the benefits of incorporating CAM.

Abstract: Objectives.To assess the status of managed care and insurance coverage of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and the integration of such services offered by hospitals.Methods.A literature review and information search was conducted to determine which insurers had special policies for CAM and which hospitals were offering CAM. Telephone interviews were conducted with a definitive sample of 18 insurers and a representative subsample of seven hospitals.Results.A majority of the insurers interviewed offered some coverage for the following: nutrition counseling, biofeedback, psychotherapy, acupuncture, preventive medicine, chiropractic, osteopathy, and physical therapy. Twelve insurers said that market demand was their primary motivation for covering CAM. Factors determining whether insurers would offer coverage for additional therapies included potential cost-effectiveness based on consumer interest, demonstrable clinical efficacy, and state mandates. Some hospitals are also responding to consumer i...