Prescription Drugs vs Natural Alternative Methods

2016-01-21T11:10:53-05:00

If you live in and around the Cedar Park, TX area please check out this worthwhile event.. "Healing Veterans Naturally"

http://www.healvetsnaturally.eventbrite.com

Healing Veterans Naturally: "Offering our Veterans Body, Mind & Spirit Healthy Alternatives"

Healing Veterans Naturally: "Offering our Veterans Body, Mind & Spirit Healthy Alternatives" 79 Veterans and Guests already Pre-Registered! Please Click Here For Our Practitioner-Vendor-Speaker-Presenter-Volunteer Online Application Who is it for? Any of our Veteran or Active Duty military members and their families\supporters. Anyone who has physical, mental or emotional pain or discomfort of any type. Anyone who wants to know how to help a...

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2016 11:22 AM

2016-01-21T11:22:02-05:00

Yes and No. each "patient" is different. Keep that option open, and educate them (not marketing to them), they will make the decision.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jan 21 at 2016 11:23 AM

2016-01-21T11:23:00-05:00

I commented from the homepage and didn't see the survey choices.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jan 21 at 2016 11:23 AM

2016-01-21T11:23:45-05:00

Thanks for posting the link SFC Joseph McCausland. Hopefully the seriously interested will be able to participate.
I have seen over the years some helped by alternative medicine and treatment and some hurt because they were seriously allergic to or had other adverse reactions to natural remedies.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2016 11:24 AM

2016-01-21T11:24:32-05:00

Yes, we should be willing to explore all options. If a treatment is effective and there are clear benefits that outweigh disadvantages it should be used. Doesn't mater if the treatment was developed in a University study or in some medicine mans dirt hut. That said, so long as a treatment is untested in a scientific setting and it's efficacy hasn't been proven... I don't believe taxpayers should be spending money treating patients with it.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jan 21 at 2016 11:34 AM

2016-01-21T11:34:26-05:00

Pharmaceutical companies do not create cures. They create repeat customers.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2016 11:35 AM

2016-01-21T11:35:09-05:00

If someone is looking for a doctor who treats alternatively they should look for D.0. in the physician's title. D.O is a doctor of osteopathic medicine. An integral tenet of osteopathic medicine is the body’s innate ability to heal itself. M.D., D.O. is the combination of both thus one would have the benefit of a medical doctor who also specialized in osteopathic medicine.

Response by SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT made Jan 21 at 2016 11:38 AM

2016-01-21T11:38:32-05:00

I live 50 miles north of Austin

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Jan 21 at 2016 1:50 PM

2016-01-21T13:50:42-05:00

I have had mostly positive results with non-traditional healing. For instance I am, or have received Healing Touch, Chiropractic, and Acupuncture treatments at the VAMC in Detroit with positive results.

Response by Sgt Dennis Ford Jr. made Jan 21 at 2016 4:44 PM

2016-01-21T16:44:47-05:00

Natural is always better that anything else we can put into our bodies.

Response by SGM Robin Johnson made Jan 28 at 2016 3:40 PM

2016-01-28T15:40:33-05:00

Anything that Veterans do to take charge of their healthcare in an intelligent, well-researched and thoughtful way is great. However, I feel obliged to point out to Active Duty members in particular that any health care that is obtained outside the military healthcare system, without referral or authorization, carries with it certain risks. The least worry is that it isn't paid. Of greatest concern is that if you receive care that isn't authorized, and it causes harm, not only does TRICARE not pay for it, but you are responsible for all costs associated with any problems caused by that care for the rest of your life. So, for example, if you have a treatment done and it causes you paralysis, or take a medication that leads to hypothyroidism or diabetes onset, that is not rated by the VA as a service-connected disability, and you will reimburse the Army for your treatment and pay for the costs for all following treatment. The exceptions to the law that exist are for when the Military Treatment Facility (MTF) sends an active duty member out for a surgery or treatment that would not normally be covered. If that happens and there are complications, those are now covered both on active duty and after retirement.

The other caveat is that 'all natural' does not mean 'all safe'. Poison ivy and belladonna are natural, but not safe. Most natural formulations and their claims are not regulated by the FDA, and many homeopathic care providers are not required to be licensed, certified, or registered in most states. So please be aware and do your homework. Having said that, many of the practices are safe and have been beneficial for folks for ages, you just have to know about the person with whom you are dealing. There is science supporting the benefits of some 'alternative' (I dislike the term, since the methods are just as valid as 'traditional') medicine treatments, and military medicine is incorporating some of them. So it isn't that I don't recognize the benefits. In fact, my brother is a Reiki practitioner and teaches mindful meditation which has been tremendously helpful for those suffering from PTSD. Just be informed before you go.

For the law regarding this, see: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/12/31/2014-30307/tricare-coverage-of-care-related-to-non-covered-initial-surgery-or-treatment

TRICARE; Coverage of Care Related to Non-Covered Initial Surgery or Treatment

This final rule revises the limitations on certain TRICARE basic program benefits. More specifically, it allows coverage for otherwise covered services and supplies required in the treatment of complications (unfortunate sequelae), as well as medically necessary and appropriate follow-on care,...

Response by SFC Joseph McCausland made Jan 29 at 2016 4:16 PM

2016-01-29T16:16:25-05:00

Due to the large number of tickets claimed for this even, the venue had to be change..I apologize for the last minute notice..

Saturday, January 30, 2016 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (CST)
Unity Church of the Hills
9905 Anderson Mill Road
Austin, TX 78750