Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2010

Publication Title

Houston Journal of Health Law & Policy

Keywords

healthcare reform, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), Corporate Wellness Plans, Healthy Workforce Act of 2007, workforce health, chronic disease

Abstract

Given the high prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by Americans, coupled with the emphasis placed on prevention in many of the healthcare reform proposals, this article argues that CAM should play a role in the healthcare reform conversation. Part I provides the background information on CAM including its definition, CAM use, and its cost. This section also broadly outlines the contours of the early healthcare reform proposals, those in existence as of January 2009. Part II describes how CAM would ideally be integrated into the United States healthcare system. Part III outlines the reasons CAM has been excluded from the healthcare reform debate and describes the brief references made to CAM in the healthcare reform conversation. Part IV concludes by identifying an area where CAM can positively contribute to healthcare reform initiatives and recommends ways that evidenced-based CAM modalities can support efforts focused on prevention and wellness through corporate wellness programs.

Volume

10

Issue

1

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