Make one shared record
List diagnoses, prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbs, supplements and procedures from every practice. Update it when anything changes, particularly before surgery, pregnancy care or fertility treatment. NCCIH recommends telling all health care providers about complementary approaches because safety and interactions depend on the person and the specific product or practice.
Assign a purpose to each service
Acupuncture, herbal medicine, homeopathy and nutrition are different interventions. Ask what each is supposed to change and what evidence supports it. A pain clinician might track function while a fertility specialist tracks diagnostic and treatment outcomes. Avoid bundling several new products and visits at once if you want to know what helped or caused an adverse effect.
Reassess together
Keep medically indicated tests and treatment on schedule. Record symptoms and adverse events, then share the result with the relevant clinicians. If a practitioner claims a complementary service can replace a prescription or guarantee a result, seek clarification from the treating medical professional before changing your plan.
Questions and answers
Who should know about my supplements?
Every clinician managing your care, including prescribers, pharmacists and complementary practitioners, needs an accurate current list. A dated list makes it easier to spot a new product or appointment that coincides with an adverse effect.