Patient Characteristics and Practice Patterns of Physicians Using Homeopathy

• DOI: 10.1001/archfami.7.6.537
• Publication Date: 2003-03-18T19:08:55Z
• Authors: J. Jacobs
• Keywords: Osteopathy

The use of homeopathy is growing in the United States, but little known about practice patterns physicians using and patients who seek homeopathic care.Data for consecutive patient visits to 27 doctors medicine osteopathy 1992 were collected compared with National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey 1990.Patients seen by younger, more affluent, likely present long-term complaints. Physicians surveyed spent time their patients, ordered fewer tests, prescribed pharmaceutical medications than practicing conventional medicine.While definite conclusions cannot be made based on this survey, we have documented that diagnostic testing treat common chronic conditions well below primary care physicians. These findings, if associated comparable clinical outcomes, suggest a potential substantial cost savings. Further studies documenting benefits, physician decision-making, satisfaction will required further explore subject.