Comparison of Swiss basic health insurance costs of complementary and conventional medicine

"Background: From 1999 to 2005, 5 methods of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) applied by physicians were provisionally included into mandatory Swiss basic health insurance. Between 2012 and 2017, this will be the case again. Within this process, an evaluation of cost-effectiveness is required.

Patients reported better quality of the patient-physician relationship and fewer adverse side effects in CAM; higher cost-effectiveness for CAM can be deduced from this perspective. Conclusion: This study uses a health system perspective and demonstrates at least equal or better cost-effectiveness of CAM in the setting of Swiss ambulatory care. CAM can therefore be seen as a valid complement to COM within Swiss health care."

Real full report: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22189362

See also new book that analyzes the effectiveness and safety of homeopathy http://www.amazon.com/Homeopathy-Healthcare-Effectiveness-Appropriateness-Safety/dp/3642206379/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1325261273&sr=1-1