Urology Northwest Position Statement - CAM Therapies in Urological health.

Introductory Statement:

Urology Northwest, PS recognizes that a vast majority of patients use some sort of medicine classified as CAM (complementary and Alternative Medicine).

CAM is defined as a diverse group of medical and health care systems, practices and products not generally considered part of conventional medicine.

 Complementary medicine is used together with conventional
 medicine

 Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional
 medicine

 Integrative medicine combines conventional and CAM
 treatments for which there is evidence of safety and
 effectiveness.

We Acknowledge that patients may blend traditional and non-traditional therapies with or without our support or direction.

We Recognize that, in Washington state, naturopathic physicians are licensed as primary care physicians.

We Believe that a licensed naturopathic physician is a leader in CAM therapies.  They provide the best in-house source for reference and referral when a patient is interested in exploring CAM therapies AND when CAM therapy is indicated or a patient's self prescribed use of CAM therapies seems to be an obstacle to achieving the identified goals.

We Understand that many therapies used by CAM practitioners lack research and evidence of their efficacy.  However, by providing these therapies in conjunction with our "standard of care" based practice under the supervision of a physician trained in CAM therapies we are able to more objectively observe the interactions and assess potential clinic benefits as well as any possible adverse affects.

In the US, the use of CAM therapies is rapidly growing.  It is reported that 70% of adults use some form of CAM.  This includes, but is not limited to, the use of natural products, chiropratic and osteopathic therapies, acupuncture, naturopathic medicine, biofeedback, massage therapy, meditative practices and homeopathy.  People choosing CAM report common reasons as being for pain management, anxiety, depression, urinary health, gastrointestinal complaints, allergies, disorders involving cholesterol, diet therapy and sleep distrubances.

Urology Northwest Position/Recommendations:

The mission of Urology Northwest, PS is to serve women and men who want to remain active and youthful by empowering them to regain control over their urinary, pelvic and sexual health.  We recognize that diet, lifestyle and body composition play an important role in patients' health.  We believe that by offering patients access to naturopathic medicine and acupuncture, we are ensuring the safest and most satisfactory outcome for our patients and our practice as a whole.

To address the increasing use of CAM therapies by our patients, Urology Northwest affirms to do the following:

 Support the education of our healthcare providers with
 regards to the use of CAM therapies, specifically in
 relationship to urology conditions.

 Promote research into safety and efficacy of CAM therapies
 (especially naturopathic and acupuncture) for urology         patients, while ensuring patient safety.

 Provide an environment where patients feel safe sharing
 their use of CAM therapies with their physicians and that
 these therapies can be properly evaluated.

 Educate patients regarding the use of CAM therapies,  including risks, benefits, and qualifications of CAM
 providers (licensed naturopathic physician and licensed
 acupuncturist).

 Remain current on the latest research on CAM therapies,
 specifically in relationship to urological health.