First Naturopathic Physicians Appointed to Medicare Coverage Advisory Committee

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First Naturopathic Physicians Appointed to Medicare Coverage Advisory Committee;

Bastyr University's President Emeritus and Associate Dean to Lend Expertise on

Natural Medicine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KENMORE, Wash., Jan 27, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- For the first time, two

naturopathic physicians, (ND's) have been appointed to the Medicare Coverage

Advisory Committee (MCAC), a group convened under the Department of Health and

Human Services (HHS).

Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, Jr., co-founder and President Emeritus of Bastyr University

and Dr. Pamela Snider, Associate Dean, Public and Professional Affairs at

Bastyr, were recently appointed to MCAC by Thomas A. Scully, Administrator of

the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The committee, chartered by the Secretary of HHS in November of 1998, is charged

with advising the Centers on effective and appropriate medical services that are

covered or eligible for coverage under Medicare. While the 100 individuals

serving on the committee represent a wide range of scientific and medical

professions, Drs. Pizzorno and Snider are the first naturopathic physicians to

be appointed.

" These appointments are part of a promising trend, " said Dr. Pizzorno who also

served on the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Policy in 2001-2002. " Every opportunity for complementary and alternative

medicine (CAM) and conventional medicine to work together translates to a

greater potential for solving our healthcare problems. Last week, Tommy

Thompson, the secretary of health and human services, emphasized the critical

importance of devoting resources to prevention, noting that 43% of Americans

suffer from a chronic disease. He also said he wanted to expand coverage of

preventive services under Medicare. This reflects the leadership we need to

assure that more people enjoy healthier lives. "

" The staggering number of individuals with chronic disease is a significant

contributing factor in skyrocketing health care costs, amounting to a national

disease debt, " added Dr. Pamela Snider. " By devoting resources to the prevention

of these diseases, and to health promotion for all communities, we will be able

to better serve other health concerns, such as reducing costs. CAM's history of

incorporating prevention in its practice and philosophy will be of benefit as we

work together to solve the complex problems of health care. "

Drs. Pizzorno and Snider will attend their first meeting on February 11 in

Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Pizzorno is currently President of Salugenecists, Inc.,

which produces web-based personalized health promotion advice systems. He also

serves as Senior Advisor to Bastyr University President, Thomas C. Shepherd and

Executive Editor of Integrative Medicine: A Clinician's Journal. Dr. Snider is

co-investigator on a grant funded by the National Center for Complementary and

Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the

North American Naturopathic Medical Research Agenda as well as CAM advisor on a

NCCAM/NIH grant on Financing Integrative Health Care with the University of

Washington. She also co chairs the executive leadership team for the

Collaboration for Health Care Renewal Foundation and serves on the advisory

committee for the Washington State Health Professional Loan Repayment and

Scholarship Program.

ABOUT BASTYR UNIVERSITY

Bastyr University, in Kenmore, Washington, is an accredited institution,

internationally recognized as a pioneer in the study of natural healing. It is

the leading university for natural health sciences in the United States,

encompassing a multidisciplinary curriculum and a world renowned research

institute. Founded in 1978 by practicing naturopathic physicians, Bastyr

University integrates the pursuit of scientific knowledge with the wisdom of

ancient healing methods and traditional cultures from around the world. Its

mission is to educate future leaders in the natural health sciences that

integrate mind, body, spirit, and nature. Through natural health education,

research and clinical services, Bastyr University improves the health and well

being of the human community.

CONTACT: Bastyr University

Mercedes Lawry, 425/602-3107 or 206/650-3165

© 2003 Business Wire. All reproduction, other than for an individual user`s

reference, is prohibited without prior written permission.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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