Date: Fri 13-Feb-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: KAAREN

Quick Words:

health-CAMP-Danbury-Hospital

Full Text:

Danbury Hospital Establishes A Program Of Complementary Alternative Medicine

DANBURY -- Danbury Hospital has established a new program which offers

alternative care not usually found in hospitals.

The Complementary/Alternative Medicine Program (CAMP) offers services in

chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture, therapeutic touch/Reiki, holistic

nutrition, relaxation techniques, meditation, group education in mind-body

medicine, and naturopathy.

Janet Drohan, a registered nurse who is manager of Patient-Focused Care and a

member of the CAMP team, said the hospital is responding to many requests from

the community to offer complementary/alternative therapies in conjunction with

regular medical care.

"We are combining or integrating these services with conventional medicine,

but not advocating that patients replace important medical care with

complementary therapies," Ms Drohan said. "We know that many people --

especially those with chronic pain, fibromyalgia, depression, cardiac risk

factors, cancer, or simply a desire to use alternatives -- can and will seek

services that better address the mind, body, and spirit collectively."

Peggy Gilmore, a registered nurse who also is part of the CAMP team, said,

"Physicians tell us that many of their patients have questions and a desire to

use complementary alternative medicine to enhance their recommended treatment.

Others simply want to use these therapies to enhance their health through a

combination of relaxation techniques and the care of their physicians."

How It Works

After an initial assessment by a registered nurse trained in

complementary/alternative disciplines, each patient works with the nurse to

develop a plan of care. The plan is shared with, and reviewed by, the

patient's primary care physician or physician specialist.

The fee for the initial nursing assessment is $45. The fees for the care then

obtained from the individual providers varies depending on the type of

services rendered. For example, a half-hour session of therapeutic touch may

cost $35, while a one-hour holistic/naturopathic physician evaluation ranges

from approximately $100 to $150.

While focusing on helping patients understand complementary/alternative

medicine through education, published information and studies, CAMP registered

nurses will either provide services or refer patients to a hospital-approved

panel of complementary alternative providers. The program includes

communication between the providers and the team and follow-up with physicians

at the hospital.

While some insurance policies may partially cover chiropractic therapy with

advance authorization, patients usually will pay out-of-pocket for some or all

of CAMP services. CAMP team members will fully inform patients of all fees

associated with these services before they are rendered.

For information about Danbury Hospital's Complementary/Alternative Medicine

Program, or to schedule an appointment for an initial nursing assessment, call

Peggy Gilmore, RN, at 797-7073, or Janet Drohan, RN, at 797-7682.