Integrative Medicine Center at Griffin Hospital

Will my insurance cover my visit?
We are working to make the majority of our services covered by insurance plans. Specialized visits such as dietary consultations and acupuncture may not be covered by insurance. Follow-up visits generally are covered depending on your carrier. Please contact the IMC to see if we participate with your insurance carrier.

What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct healthcare system that is founded upon a holistic philosophy, which addresses root causes of illness, promotes optimal health, utilizes modern diagnostic tools, and treats with safe and effective natural therapeutics. In addition to the basic medical sciences and conventional diagnostics and treatments, Naturopathic physicians (N.D.) are trained in natural therapeutics such as botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, nutritional supplements, Naturopathic manipulative therapy, homeopathy, natural childbirth, hydrotherapy, sports medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, minor surgery, and psychological counseling.

What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points shown to be safe and effective in treating specific health problems. These acupuncture points have been established by the Chinese over a period of two thousand years. Traditional acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theory of the flow of Qi (Vital Energy) and Xue (Blood) through distinct meridians or pathways in the body somewhat like the distributions of nerves and blood vessels. According to ancient theory, acupuncture is used to regulate and harmonize the free flow of Qi throughout the body. In Chinese, there is a saying, “There is no pain if there is a free flow of Qi; if there is pain, there is no free flow of Qi.”

What is evidence-based medicine?
Evidence-based medicine is the practice of medicine with conventional or alternative treatment recommendations that have their origin in objective tests of safety and efficacy published in the scientific literature rather than anecdotal observations.

Why should I choose Integrative Medicine?
Simply, because Integrative Medicine is good medicine. Integrative Medicine is defined as "the practice of medicine that reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient, focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, healthcare professionals and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing." At the Integrative Medicine Center, our on-site experts include a Medical Doctor board certified in internal and preventive medicine, a Nurse Practitioner, and three Naturopathic physicians with expertise in a wide array of natural, complementary and alternative therapies.

Do I continue to see my primary care doctor or other health care practitioners?
Yes. We highly recommend that you continue your care with your primary care physician and other health care practitioners. Our essential role is to support and provide adjunctive therapy to your current health care. We will communicate and work with your current health care practitioners to provide you with safe and effective treatment recommendations.