In Conclusion:

• We must begin to ask patients about their use of alternative and complementary therapies. We may start with ?Are you taking anything else, such as vitamins, herbs, or homeopathic remedies??

• Listen for ?non-disclosing? cues.

• Be frank about what you don?t know.

• We must then research therapies used to look for efficacy, adverse effects, and possible interaction.

• When needed, we must make patients aware of potentially harmful therapies. We also should be able to make suggestions or referrals for potentially beneficial unconventional therapies.

• We must include a complete conventional medical evaluation and give comprehensive advice on conventional medical therapy.

• We should read journals, look at valid websites, and go to appropriate alt med courses to continue our learning to best serve our patients.