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35. So my health fund covers woo treatment, and my government regulates woo?

It's covered under 'alternative treatments', and while I think that this like most alternative treatments is full of bullshit and placebo, I don't get why Americans focus on one over all else. I think it's a waste of money, but don't have a problem with others using it as long as they do it in conjunction with conventional medical treatments. My GP (that's General Practitioner) suggested I give it a try because medication I'm already on to prevent stroke means I can't take hayfever medication and I get severe hayfever. But he's never suggested it for anything else and if he suggested it as a possible replacement treatment for my high blood pressure, I'd walk out and find another doctor. It's when it's promoted as being a replacement to conventional treatment where it's a massive problem.

Anyway, here's the info from my health fund (one of the major health funds in Australia) on what it covers as Extras cover on policies:

Homeopathy


Description


Homeopathy is a system of medicine based on the principle that 'like cures like'. It is a system for treating disease that is based on the administration of minute doses of remedies that in large amounts produce symptoms in healthy people similar to those of the disease itself. This means that the homeopathic medicine deliberately mimics or provokes the symptoms of a persons’ disease in order to strengthen their body’s ability to heal itself.

The remedies are made from plants, minerals, animals and chemicals. They are prepared according to strict guidelines set out in international pharmacopoeias and, in Australia, are under the control of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

You may have seen or heard of "Rescue Remedy", which is an example of a homeopathic remedy.

Treatment


Homeopathic consultations may take up to an hour, however some may only take 15-30 minutes. Information relating to current symptoms and past medical history will be required. Questions about your lifestyle, family, work and stressors may be asked, as well as your diet and sleep patterns.

Physical examinations may be required according to the particular complaint.

A single dose or repeated doses of remedies may be given. Your practitioner will advise the dose and frequency to take them, and will usually recommend a visit at the end of the course to assess its effectiveness. Where illness has developed over a long time, several successive remedies may be needed during the course of weeks, months or years.

Although practitioners advise that remedies can be taken in conjunction with conventional medications, it is always advisable to notify both your homeopath and your doctor of any medicines or remedies you are taking.

Conditions


As homeopathy is a holistic system that aims to strengthen the mind and body against disease, it can be used to help treat a wide array of common and chronic ailments. Homeopaths may be sought for seasonal conditions such as colds, flu and hay-fever as well as a wide range of illnesses including allergies, asthma, eczema, stress, period pains and endometriosis, headaches and respiratory infections. Advocates also claim homeopathy can assist in breaking the negative emotional patterns believed to be the underlying causes of some physical conditions.

This information is a general description only. Call 13 14 63 to check if your nib Health Cover includes homeopathy and the specific treatments nib will pay a benefit for under this service. Please note that if your cover includes this service, nib will only provide benefits for the consultation only. No benefit is payable for any remedies.

nib will only pay benefits for services supplied by nib recognised providers, so make sure that your practitioner is both properly qualified and recognised by nib (ask the service provider or contact nib if you are unsure).

Want to know more about homeopathy? Here's a place to start:

Australian Homeopathic Association


http://www.nib.com.au/home/newtonib/help/pages/extrasglossary.aspx?filter=FtoJ