Discussing CAM with your Pediatrician-What You Should Know

Discussing CAM With Your Pediatrician

Parents often do not tell pediatricians or other health care providers that their child is receiving CAM. It is important, however, that families speak with their child's health care provider about any CAM therapy being used or considered. Providing a full picture of what is being done to manage your child's health will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

For tips about talking with your health care provider about CAM, see NCCAM's Time to Talk campaign at nccam.nih.gov/timetotalk.

When seeking care from a CAM practitioner, it is important to ask about the practitioner's:

** Education and training

** Experience in delivering care to children

** Experience working with other providers, including physicians, to ensure coordinated care

** Licensing (some states have licensing requirements for certain CAM practitioners, such as chiropractors, naturopathic doctors, massage therapists, and acupuncturists).