Page 103 - Cultural Competence in Health Education

Where did they receive their training? What licenses or certifications do they have?

How much will the treatment cost?
■ Check with your insurer to see if the cost of therapy will be covered.

■ After you select a practitioner, make a list of questions to ask at your first visit. You
may want to bring a friend or family member who can help you ask questions and
note answers.

■ Come to the first visit prepared to answer questions about your health history,
including injuries, surgeries, and major illnesses, as well as prescription medicines,
vitamins, and other supplements you may take.

■ Assess your first visit and decide if the practitioner is right for you. Did you feel com-
fortable with the practitioner? Could the practitioner answer your questions? Did he
respond to you in a way that satisfied you? Does the treatment plan seem reason-

able and acceptable to you?

■ Ask what training or other qualifications the practitioner has. Ask about her educa-
tion, additional training, licenses, and certifications. If you contacted a professional

organization, see if the practitioner’s qualifications meet the standards for training
and licensing for that profession.
■ Ask if it is possible to have a brief consultation in person or by phone with the practi-
tioner. This will give you a chance to speak with the practitioner directly. This consul-
tation may or may not involve a charge.
■ Ask if there are diseases or health conditions in which the practitioner specializes and
how frequently he treats patients with problems similar to yours.
■ Ask if the practitioner believes the therapy can effectively address your complaint and
if there is any scientifi c research supporting the treatment’s use for your condition.
■ Ask how many patients the practitioner typically sees in a day, and how much time
she spends with each patient.
■ Ask about charges and payment options. How much do treatments cost? If you
have insurance, does the practitioner accept your insurance or participate in your
insurer’s network? Even with insurance, you may be responsible for a percentage of
the cost.
■ Ask about the hours appointments are offered. How long is the wait for an appoint-
ment? Consider whether this will be convenient for your schedule.

■ Ask about office location. If you are concerned, ask about public transportation and
parking. If you need a building with an elevator or a wheelchair ramp, ask about them.
■ Ask what will be involved in the fi rst visit or assessment.
■ Observe how comfortable you feel during these fi rst interactions.

Source: Adapted from NCCAM, 2004.

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