Increasing levels of chronic disease including: diabetes, heart disease, chronic pain, cancer, and obesity, have created a multi-trillion dollar financial burden on the medical system. Naturopathic medicine (referring to NDs from accredited medical schools) may reduce the need for expensive conventional care by promoting health and decreasing the need for medical interventions over the long term. Naturopathic doctors are primary care providers that treat acute and chronic conditions as well as address health promotion and disease prevention.
Today I’m going to breakdown three major benefits of Naturopathic care.
Naturopathic medicine costs less than conventional care.
- A 2006 University of Washington study found that in Washington state, naturopathic care cost insurers $9.00 per enrollee vs. $686.00 for conventional care. (2)
- One year of a lifestyle intervention program (similar to that recommended by naturopathic physicians) for patients with coronary artery disease not only improved all health outcomes and reduced the need for surgery but also cost significantly less then conventional treatment ($7,000 vs $31,000 –$46,000). (4)
- Naturopathic care, when used for reduction of cardiovascular risk factors (high blood pressure and cholesterol, for example) improved health and increased job productivity and was determined to actually be a cost-saver for an employer. (5)
- Naturopathic care used for chronic low back pain not only cost less than a standard physical therapy regimen but also decreased absenteeism by up to 7 days in a worker’s year. (6)
Read more of Dr. Naumes’ post over at D-Magazines D-Moms Blog
