Alternative medicines: a general approach to the French situation

Journal/Book: Comp Med Res. 1990; 4: 4-8.

Abstract: In France there has been a steady increase in the use of alternative medicines since 1970. Alternative medicines are a mixed group of varying displines. While the validity of homoeopathy and acupuncture is being debated by the Academy of Science, prescriptions and consultations to which they give rise are reimbursed by Social Security payments. No alternative medical discipline is taught at a national level.In a survey o(1000 people in 1985, 49% of the people questioned had already used alternative medicine. Homoeopathy is most widely used (32%) (ollowed by acupuncture (21 %).As much as 7% of health care expenditure in France is linked to alternative medicine. Some alternative health care costs are hidden within general health reimbursements. The majority of complementary mutual insurance schemes do not reimburse alternative medicine. Although some private insurance schemes have reimbursement rates, they are linked to approved practitioners.

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