Briefly describe a specific question, or set of related questions, about a health care test or treatment that this program should consider.

For patients with ulcerative colitis why do MD's not recommend Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners. I was cured with diet change, herbal prescriptions and acupuncture!!

Does your question include a comparison of different health care approaches? (If no, your topic will still be considered.)

yes

If yes, explain the specific technologies, devices, drugs, or interventions you would like to see compared:

Sulfasalazine,Cortenema(Hydrocortisone,Prednisone, immunosuppressive therapy, surgery versus Traditional Chinese Medicine (food combinations, herbal prescriptions, acupuncture).

What patients or group(s) of patients does your question apply to? (Please include specific details such as age range, gender, coexisting diagnoses, and indications for therapy.)

all ages, male and female, IBD diagnosis

Are there subgroups of patients that your question might apply to? (For example, an ethnic group, stage or severity of a disease.)

People with severe IBD would be more likely to try alternative medicine, I think, esp. with no insurance coverage for alternative medicine.

Describe the health-related benefits you are interested in. (For example, improvements in patient symptoms or problems from treatment or diagnosis.)

Improvements in symptoms and no longer need to take toxic drugs.

Describe any health-related risks, side effects, or harms that you are concerned about.

I would suggest anyone stay in touch with a traditional gastroenterologist. I have heard about tainted Chinese herbs and would want to be followed to be sure I was not doing damage to liver, etc.

Appropriateness for EHC Program

Does your question include a health care drug, intervention, device, or technology available (or likely to be available) in the U.S.?

yes

Which priority area(s) and population(s) does this topic apply to? (check all that apply)

EHC Priority Conditions (updated in 2008)

None

AHRQ Priority Populations

None

Federal Health Care Program

None

Importance

Describe why this topic is important.

Traditional medicine only has surgery for a "cure." Otherwise, only symptoms are treated with inconsistent results and with side effects.

What specifically motivated you to ask this question? (For example, you are developing a clinical guideline, working with a policy with large uncertainty about the appropriate approach, costly intervention, new research you have read, items in the media you may have seen, a clinical practice dilemma you know of, etc.)

I was cured, and I don't see this discussed in general media. Excellent TCM cured me of IBD after I had seen Western medical doctors for years. An MD who practices acupuncture recommended Neil to me because he said I needed herbal medicine also. I had never been to an acupuncturist, much less a Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor. I really didn't want to "take herbs." Neil used a variety of methods to treat me; the herbs were ordered esp. for what I needed and they were not awful to take! Not only am I cured of IBD (since 1997), but I no longer take allergy shots. I continue to go to my Western medical doctors for annual check ups.

Does your question represent uncertainty for clinicians and/or policy-makers? (For example, variations in clinical care, controversy in what constitutes appropriate clinical care, or a policy decision.)

yes

If yes, please explain:

controversy in what constitutes appropriate clinical care

Potential Impact

How will an answer to your research question be used or help inform decisions for you or your group?

Just that - it will help inform decisions.

Describe the timeframe in which an answer to your question is needed.

No special timeframe. I am cured.

Describe any health disparities, inequities, or impact on vulnerable populations your question applies to.

Alternative medicine has to be paid for out of pocket. No insurance coverage for Chinese Medicine Practioner's fees.

Nominator Information

Other Information About You: (optional)

Please choose a description that best describes your role or perspective: (you may select more than one category if appropriate)

Just that - it will help inform decisions.

Are you making a suggestion as an individual or on behalf of an organization?

Individual

Please tell us how you heard about the Effective Health Care Program

in a magazine article about GERD