An Evidence-Based Field of Cancer Care
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At Fred Hutch Cancer Center, we believe state-of-the-art care includes support for the healing of our patients in body, mind and spirit.
Integrative oncology is an evidence-based field of cancer care that utilizes mind-body practices, natural products and/or lifestyle modifications from different traditions alongside conventional cancer treatments. Our integrative medicine providers have expertise in mind-body medicine, acupuncture and naturopathic medicine.
How to Make an Appointment
Established patients at Fred Hutch are eligible for our services. Let your care team know you are interested in seeing a Fred Hutch integrative medicine provider or you may self-refer (if you are receiving your care at Fred Hutch) by contacting us directly. The scheduling team will provide instructions on your appointment location and how to check in.
Phone: 206.606.5500
Email: integrativemedpcc@fredhutch.org
What to Expect
During your first appointment, your integrative medicine provider will take a thorough history about your health and lifestyle, including a review of all dietary supplements and non-pharmacological products. Together, you will discuss your health and wellness goals and work with you to design an individualized plan to help you achieve them. Our providers collaborate closely with Fred Hutch providers from all supportive care services, including medical nutrition, physical therapy, psychology/psychiatry, social work and Spiritual Health, to improve quality of life during all stages of cancer care and survivorship. Our providers can refer you to all supportive care services at Fred Hutch as needed for optimal support for you.
- Initial consultations are typically 60 minutes and follow-up visits are typically 30 minutes.
- Dietary supplement consultations typically require 2 visits.
- To learn a mind-body medicine technique, 1 to 4 visits are typically needed. Sessions can be audio recorded for home practice.
What topics are covered during integrative medicine appointments?
The following topics are often covered:
- Education on supplements and non-pharmacological products.
- Training in mind-body therapies to help with mood, energy, sleep and stress.
- Symptom management using non-pharmacological tools.
- Counseling on lifestyle management, including diet, physical activity, sleep and weight.
- Referrals to other Fred Hutch experts in supportive care to support your individualized goal, including nutrition with registered dietitians, physical therapy, rehabilitation medicine, Spiritual Health, psychology/psychiatry, social work, pain management and palliative care.
Acupuncture Appointments
Acupuncture is an evidence-based integrative medicine modality that can help improve well-being and reduce many side effects associated with conventional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
- Initial acupuncture treatment lasts 60 minutes with follow-up treatments taking approximately 45 minutes.
- A typical course of acupuncture includes weekly treatments for 8 to 10 weeks.
Where will I be seen?
Fred Hutch Integrative Medicine Service sees patients for in-person visits at the Sloan Clinic. Telehealth visits are offered, pending your medical insurance coverage.
Telehealth visits are available for patients being seen at:
Acupuncture and Nursing Team
Susan Veleber, DACM, MS, LAc
Jonathan Siman, DACM, MS, LAc
Geoffrey Morgan-Bender, MSEAM, LAc
Kathy Taromina, DACM, MS, LAc
Melissa Romeo, PhD, MAOM, LAc
Heidi Stecher, MN, RN, OCN
Classes for Patients and Caregivers at Fred Hutch
Community Resources
Below are community resources for cancer patients and caregivers:
Insurance Reimbursement and Coverage
Our Integrative Medicine team works in collaboration with the Fred Hutch Patient Financial Services team to help you determine and understand your benefits. The amount of benefits or coverage for services provided by integrative medicine providers depends upon your medical insurance company and your specific plan.
If you have specific questions about your benefits, please contact our Integrative Medicine scheduling staff at 206.606.5500 or Fred Hutch Patient Financial Services at 206.606.6226.
Websites
We recommend these websites as resources to learn more about integrative oncology:
- National Cancer Institute PDQ (Physician Data Query) Cancer Information Summaries: Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies
- Society for Integrative Oncology
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Use of Integrative Therapies During Breast Cancer Treatment published by the Society for Integrative Oncology and Endorsed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology
No, your provider from your oncology team remains your primary provider. Most patients also have a primary care provider outside of Fred Hutch. The Fred Hutch Integrative Medicine Service provides consultations for patients. This means our clinicians work alongside your oncology team and your primary care team, partnering with them to offer an additional layer of support.
The Integrative Medicine Service at Fred Hutch is a consultation service that works alongside your oncology team. We primarily recommend non-pharmacologic interventions (evidence-based, non-drug approaches) to complement your conventional treatment plan in supporting and enhancing your well-being with the goal of improving outcomes. We do not prescribe medications, recommend IV therapies, order diagnostic tests, or direct your cancer treatment. In addition to improving your overall well-being, our aim is to help you manage side effects of cancer treatment and be a partner in your care.
Visits are offered both in-person and via telehealth, pending your medical insurance coverage. In-person visits are only available at the Sloan Clinic.
All insurance plans cover integrative medicine visits with our MD and advanced practice providers (nurse practitioner and physician assistant).
Some insurance plans, but not all, cover appointments with our NDs. Fred Hutch Patient Financial Services can help you determine your coverage.
If you have additional questions, contact a Fred Hutch financial counselor at 206.606.6226.
If you are an established Fred Hutch patient, tell your care team you are interested in seeing an integrative medicine provider, or contact us directly at 206.606.5500 or integrativemedpcc@fredhutch.org.
Yes, you can see a Fred Hutch integrative medicine provider while having a naturopathic provider.