Q: How does Integrative Medicine differ from conventional medicine?
A: Integrative Medicine is a healing-oriented medicine that takes into account the whole person -- body, mind, and spirit -- including all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and makes use of both conventional and alternative therapies.
Q: Where are integrative medicine services at NorthShore offered?
A: Patients are seen at our patient clinic at Park Center, at 2400 Chestnut in Glenview in The Glen. Cancer patients are also seen at NorthShore Kellogg Cancer Center at Evanston and Highland Park Hospitals.
Q: Can Integrative Medicine Medical Director Dr. Mendoza Temple act as my primary care physician?
A: No. Dr. Leslie Mendoza-Temple and Dr. Geeta Maker-Clark are "Integrative Consultations Only (non-primary care)". These doctors serve in a consultative capacity and are always willing to work closely with your primary care physician or other specialists.
Q: Are there Integrative Physicians who can act as my primary care physician?
A: Yes. Dr. Mina Ryu can serve as an Integrative Primary Care Physician.
Q: Are Integrative Medicine services covered by insurance?
A: The services provided by our Integrative Medicine program at the Park Center are offered on a fee for service basis. We ask that payment be made at the time of service. Although insurance companies are increasingly reimbursing for our services, these services are still considered elective and therefore may not be covered. Following payment of service we will provide you with the appropriate documentation along with a receipt of your visit. Many insurance carriers will partially reimburse for our services based upon this receipt. Additionally some health insurance carriers offer a Flexible Spending Account and integrative services may fall under this plan. For Medicare patients, the physician consultation is covered for those with Medicare B. Medicare A alone does not cover the cost of the physician consultation.
Q: When should one seek Integrative Medicine –before or after surgery?
A: Integrative Medicine can be helpful for preoperative preparation for advice on timing of herbs and supplements to take or not take around surgery, as well as for reducing anxiety and pain. Acupuncture, bodywork and counseling therapies may help facilitate a speedier recovery from surgery and diagnostic procedures.
Q: What should I look for in a Chinese herbal medicine practitioner?
A: We recommend that your Chinese herbal medicine practitioner has certification in Chinese Herbology by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) as indicated by the designations “Diplomate in Oriental Medicine (Dipl.OM)” or “Diplomate in Chinese Herbology (Dipl.CH)”.
Q: What are some reputable websites for herb and supplement information?
A:
View a more complete list on our News & Resources page.