By Dr. Scott E. Rosenthal
In the U.S., drug companies spend about $6 billion each year on advertising to consumers. You can’t turn on a TV, go online, or open a magazine without seeing a drug advertisement staring you in the face. Despite this massive figure, it pales compared to the billions spent on influencing doctors. The enormous advertising investment has paid huge dividends to big pharma companies, with Americans spending $405.9 billion on prescription drugs in 2022.
With such a lucrative market, one can reasonably question how the pharmaceutical industry influences those who prescribe its products and how it has shaped the American healthcare environment—incredibly because there are primary care physician offices that infrequently recommend less invasive, highly effective alternative care approaches (if at all).
Alternative healthcare (referred to as complementary and alternative medicine or CAM), in which chiropractic is at the forefront, is rapidly growing in use and popularity. A 2008 National Institutes of Health report states that “In the United States, approximately 38 percent of adults (about 4 in 10) and approximately 12 percent of children (about 1 in 9) are using some form of CAM.”
If you are planning to receive alternative care and wish to discuss your decision with your primary care provider, this article will help by teaching you how to communicate more effectively with your doctor, NP, or PA.
Please note that they have feelings and egos, too. Being mindful, gentle, and respectful when communicating with your provider can save a cherished and established relationship. Avoid being confrontational or putting them on the defensive. It is more about sharing your desire to understand all available options rather than disagreeing with a recommendation.
The first step is to express your interest in learning about different approaches to your problem, including alternative and natural care. Share that you want to avoid or lessen medication use and are open to alternative health care. End by saying, “I value your opinion. Is it alright if we discuss this now?”
Below is a list of sample questions to ask your provider to explore alternative care options such as chiropractic:
Remember that your provider may be unfamiliar with chiropractic care. Some may even oppose any approach outside the typical medical box of tools. Hopefully, they will at least respect your choices for your health. At first, you may need to be patient and allow your experience with alternative care to help educate them. Many primary care providers have changed their views on this scenario. Others who would not recommend care initially developed a better understanding and acceptance once they saw our mutual patients’ success with chiropractic. Now, more and more of them refer patients. Occasionally, a patient will ask me to recommend a new provider who is more open to non-drug approaches.
Many seek alternative care without the consent or knowledge of their other providers. And that is perfectly fine. However, I feel that the patient is best served in a team atmosphere. Unless the person requests otherwise, we send a report to each patient’s primary care provider and are always open to talking to another doctor/NP/PA when needed.
Communicating thoughtfully and respectfully allows you to maintain a caring and open relationship with your primary care provider while exploring these other options. You may even be surprised to find them sitting in our reception room one day, waiting to receive a chiropractic adjustment!
References:
https://www.cms.gov/data-research/statistics-trends-and-reports/national-health-expenditure-data/nhe-fact-sheet
https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-21-380
