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Checklist

Deciding if a treatment or therapy will be suitable can be difficult: there are usually pros and cons to consider and, in some cases, considerable expense may be involved. You may find it useful to ask the following questions before deciding whether or not to go ahead:

  • How long has the treatment been offered?
  • Are the results of research trials available?
  • Is the treatment intended to be palliative (i.e. treating symptoms and giving relief) or therapeutic (i.e. dealing with the improvement and cure of the condition)?
  • What conditions have been most helped by this treatment?
  • Is my child within the band of your research?
  • What is the average age of patients?
  • Do I need a GP referral?
  • Can my GP pay for the treatment?
  • Can I claim on my health insurance?
  • Where is treatment available?
  • What qualifications does the practitioner have?
  • How long has he/she been in practice?
  • How is your organisation funded?
  • Is it possible to visit the clinic/centre before starting treatment?
  • Is there an initial consultation and what does it cost?
  • How is treatment structured and charged?
  • How long should it be undertaken to be beneficial?
  • What is average length and frequency of treatment?
  • Are there any conditions that should not have this treatment?
  • Does it conflict with any other drugs, therapies or treatments?
  • Are there any side-effects?
  • Can I speak to someone who has been treated?
  • What experience does the therapist have with your condition?
  • Does the therapist belong to a professional association or regulatory body, and if so which one?
  • Is the therapist insured?

Please note:

This list is for guidance only and should be considered neither comprehensive nor exhaustive; other questions may be relevant to your particular case.