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While Americans spent a record amount in 2007, we shouldn't be surprised to see lower numbers for 2008. The economy has seen spending in all sectors (except banking, bailouts and defense) decrease.

Close to 83 million U.S. adults spent $33.9 billion out of pocket on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in 2007, according to a National Center for Health Statistics survey.

Given that we have a dysfunctional health care system designed to maintain itself rather than deliver optimal health outcomes, we'll see complimentary medicine continue to grow. If for no other reason, it's more accessible to those taking more personal responsibility for their health. The other reason is that it tends to be effective and affordable.

An estimated $22.0 billion was spent on self-care costs—CAM products, classes and materials that do not require a health care practitioner—with the majority going to the purchase of nonvitamin, nonmineral, natural products ($14.8 billion) such as fish oil, glucosamine and Echinacea. This is equivalent to approximately one-third of total out-of-pocket spending on prescription drugs. Homeopathy made up about 8.6 percent of the cost of CAM, while costs were minimal for books and videotapes to learn relaxation techniques.

Posted on August 8th, 2009 under Health, Medicine • Tags: alternative medicine, complementary medicine. • RSS 2.0 feed • Leave a response, or trackback