Alternative medicine news

[Bill Glasheen]

One does not practice traditional martial arts without exposure to alternative forms of medicine. Some of it is the link to other cultures - present and past. Some of it is the "control of self" thing that martial artists tend to be associated with. And then there is the general interest in health necessary to stay in this for the long run. So this is why I occasionally post thing like what will follow.

The first is an announcement that my particular company made. It is an acknowledgement of consumer interest in a type of medical care that falls outside the mainstream. What is interesting is the way that our Blue plan and others have approached it. Rather than get into the issue of medical necessity, the backbone of the contractual relationship that health insurers have with covered members, the health plan is instead using its considerable market muscle to negotiate good deals with reputable, credentialed providers for individual consumers that are seeking this type of care anyhow.

The second note is a word of caution to those who presume that anything that is herbal is somehow more wholistic or safer or less invasive than what one might get when dealing with a board-certified physician. Buyer beware.

- Bill

[Bill Glasheen]

Trigon Offers First Alternative Therapy Program in Virginia

Trigon Blue Cross Blue Shield is Virginia’s first insurer to offer its members discounts for massage therapy, acupuncture and chiropractor services starting March 1.

"As alternative health care choices become more mainstream, we are happy to offer our members savings on these alternative therapies to complement conventional medicine," said Terri Leonard, Trigon product manager.

The Trigon Healthy Complements program will provide 25 percent discounts to members who use the American Specialty Health Networks (ASHN) certified, accredited network of massage therapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors and fitness clubs. Members also will be able to purchase health and wellness products such as herbal supplements, vitamins, minerals and fitness videos and books at discounted prices.

If you are currently enrolled in any of the health care plans Trigon offers, you can take advantage of the benefits available with Trigon Healthy Complements. Watch for more information about the program in upcoming issues of Dateline and Trigon Today.

[Bill Glasheen]

From: owner-medwatch@archie.fda.gov
Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2000 4:50 PM
To: medwatch@archie.fda.gov
Subject: Prescription Drugs in 5 Herbal Products

FYI--

The California Department of Health Services issued a warning about 5 herbal
products that were found to have 2 prescription drugs. For a copy of the CA
DHS announcement go to: www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2000/cadhs1.htm

MedWatch

[This message has been edited by Bill Glasheen (edited February 17, 2000).]