Integrative Medicine Centers: Moving Health Care in a New Direction

Abstract

Increasing consumer demand for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has led many health care organizations to create “integrative medicine centers” (IMCs) that combine the use of biomedical and CAM therapies. This article explores institutional issues in the emergence of IMCs affiliated with hospitals in academic medical centers. We assess efforts at integration, analyze the challenges, and comment on the balance between factors that support and hinder the continued expansion of IMCs. Our conclusion is that, although obstacles remain, they are not insurmountable. One former concern, physician skepticism, is now much less intense. However, achieving financial viability continues to be a major hurdle for IMCs. We offer some policy considerations for those establishing IMCs in order to broaden the options available to consumers of health care.