Frequently Asked Questions

Do practitioners pay to be on your database?

No, my service is free for practitioners because I do not want to be perceived as biased towards any one practitioner.

What is the difference between alternative health and complementary health?

The words alternative and complementary refer to the same health practices. They merely reflect the intention or perspective of the person using them. The word alternative assumes that the practice is utilized outside of the mainstream medical approach and thus implying an either/or perspective. The term complementary assumes that non-traditional and conventional medicine work in concert, thus implying a team approach. Recently there has been a move towards the term CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) in recognition of both perspectives.

Why would I spend money on alternative health when MSP covers conventional medicine?

The results of market research in Victoria, B.C. (April 2003) found that 43% of people were dissatisfied with the B.C. medical health system. They expressed frustration with long wait lists, rushed appointments, not enough doctors taking new patients, and a desire for more natural options. As sole proprietor Options for Health I see it as my responsibility to guide the general public to the understanding that alternative health practitioner fees are cost and health effective.

For example:

An appointment with an alternative health practitioner (AHP) assures that whatever length of appointment you pay for will, in fact, last that length of time.
You can expect the undivided attention of an AHP that you employ yourself. If this is not the case and your needs are not being met, you are free to find a practitioner that offers what you need.
There is a wealth of highly qualified AHP’s to choose from.
Wait lists are typically much shorter than for a conventional doctor.
You remain in charge of your health and are not at the mercy of a complicated health system that at times can feel cold, confusing, and cumbersome.
Alternative health operates from a completely different paradigm than conventional medicine. As a result consumers have found benefit from alternative health that they would not have found otherwise.
Alternative health modalities utilize a combination of ancient medicine and new technologies, thus offering a unique and effective approach.

Why would I pay Options for Health for consultation?

Victoria offers such a rich resource of alternative health practitioners that the task of finding the right practice and practitioner is very difficult. Some people become so overwhelmed that they choose not to choose. As well, people new to Victoria may be in search of a practitioner to replace the one they left in their hometown. In this case they know what they are looking for but need help to find this unique practitioner.

Options for Health will save you time and money by providing you with the direction and knowledge you need to become an educated consumer of alternative health.

Does MSP cover appointments for alternative health practitioners?

Only those MSP beneficiaries with premium assistance status are eligible for a combined annual limit of 10 visits each calendar year for physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractic, naturopathy and non-surgical podiatry. MSP pays $23.00 for each visit. Your practitioner will inform you if you can expect an additional charge over what MSP pays.

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