At some point in our lives we will undoubtedly require medical attention. The medical attention we will require may be for a minor ache or pain or for something more serious. Whatever the severity of the need, the fact remains that the medical practitioner you choose will have a huge impact on your impression and opinion of that system of healthcare and your health for years to come. Intelligent patients and consumers can significantly impact the care they receive within the health care system including the selection of an Acupuncturist. The selection of a medical practitioner begins with a wise and intelligent choice at the onset of the consultation and treatment.An intelligent decision on choosing a health care provider requires a thoughtful process that should include your interview of that provider. The selection of a health care professional, by many, is unfortunately based on trust. Many individuals elevate doctors putting them above doing harm and doing what is the very best for the patient. We fail to realize that health care is a business and all medical providers need to be scrutinized. Many of us spend more time getting recommendations for auto mechanics than for a health care provider who we entrust with our quality of life, and health.At it’s all about you and we take this responsibility seriously. It is our sincere desire that you will take the necessary time and ask the right questions when you consult with Dr. Alderman. At Alderman Medical we graciously offer FREE consultations. Please review the following check list and considerations that we feel are important in determining if Dr. Alderman or other providers will be right for you. Remember, it’s all about you at Alderman Medical and this same attitude should be paramount with other providers as well.

Things to Consider and Questions to Ask

Does the provider offer free consultations?
Pay special attention to first impressions. Consider the professionalism of the clinic setting. Is the clinic neat and clean? Get a feel for the care givers demeanor, ability to listen and answers your questions. Do you feel comfortable? Is there a language barrier? Remember communication is paramount.Determine the extent of his or her experience.
Experience matters and how long a provider practices the better qualified he or she might be in treating your specific health issue or concern. Traditional Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture is an art and science. In most cases the greater the experience the better the result from treatment.

Differences between Licensure and Certification
In addition to experience, education is of primary importance and concern. I mention concern because political interest groups pressure the legislative and licensure processes. Many states, including Idaho, allow the practice of acupuncture with a minuscule of educational requirements. An example of this is the State of Idaho’s certification requirements. This acupuncture certification requires a 100 hour course. These courses are didactic with no practical “hands on” learning and can be over the internet. So what does this mean? Consumer beware!The unaware public again falls pray to ignorant legislation and suffers potential injury, misdiagnose and ineffective treatment. The study of medicine, eastern or western is an active process. To legislatively dilute health care education is an act of criminal lunacy.

To quote Sir William Osler: “To study the phenomenon of disease without books is to sail an uncharted sea, while to study books without patients is not to go to sea at all.”This often quoted aphorism of Osler’s truly describes most medical educational institutions, western or eastern medicine, emphasis on the primacy of the patient in the process of learning medicine. The learning of medicine, both eastern and western, has to be an active process at the bedside. Clinical experiences and “hands-on” learning with a didactic curriculum provides the necessary in-depth comprehensive medical education.A licensed acupuncturist in the United States has met rigorous training standards. Most states require a 3-5 year Masters degree in Oriental Medicine from an accredited acupuncture school and issue a written and practical state board exam before an acupuncturist can become licensed. This initial educational process is enhanced with many institutions offering doctoral degrees in Oriental Medicine (O.M.D.).

Dr. John Alderman is one of Idaho’s and the Treasure Valley’s most experienced practitioners of Oriental Medicine and Licensed Acupuncturists. His initial western medical science studies (including Stanford Medical School, Los Angeles Chiropractic College) formed a strong medical foundation. In 1979 he formally studied Traditional Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture at San Francisco College of Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture. Following graduation and becoming a Licensed Acupuncturist, he was accepted into the Doctoral program of California Acupuncture College, where he received his Doctorate in Oriental Medicine in 1986.There are a number of things you can do to help insure that you select a practitioner who is qualified, competent and with whom you feel comfortable. Here are some practical tips:

• Ask for referrals from people you know and trust.
• Do western medical physicians refer to him or her?
• Don’t be afraid to ask your provider about his or her qualifications.
• Find out about his or her beliefs on health and wellness and possible prejudice towards traditional western medicine. Unfortunately, many in the health care field believe that their system of medicine has all the answers. Maintaining your health should be an integrated and complimentary interaction of the patient and doctors of diverse disciplines and specializations.
• Ask the doctor/Acupuncturists for references.
• Does the Acupuncturist take time to talk with his or her patients and explain what is involved in the diagnosis or treatment of illnesses?
• Is the Acupuncturist receptive to patients seeking other opinions if necessary?
• Being Asian or of any race or ethnic background should not be a criterion for the choosing an Acupuncturist. Communication abilities, experience, education (preferably a Doctorate in Oriental Medicine) and good chemistry should govern the decision of an Acupuncturist that is right for you.

Most patients find Dr. Alderman easy to share their concerns with. His open and sincere interest in solving your health issue is reflected in his ability to listen and communicate.

So Why Should You Select Our Clinic and Dr. John Alderman?
That’s an easy question to answer. Dr. Alderman gets results when others fall short. Experience matters and with almost three decades of successfully treating patients, Dr. John Alderman is one of the most experienced practitioners of Oriental Medicine and Licensed Acupuncturists in the Sate of Idaho. If you’re in pain, have a chronic health problem and just not getting better; make the phone call that may well be a solution. Get the results you deserve from a doc that has passion and compassion for helping others and the experience and education that goes unmatched in our Treasure Valley.

Know When It’s Time To Fire Your Doctor
Making a decision on choosing a health care provider is a pragmatic process. Knowing when to change providers also requires a rational decision. Make sure that whatever’s bothering you isn’t just a one time thing. Make sure it’s not just a quirk in the doctor’s day. We’re all entitled to having a bad day.

Here are eight ways to know if it’s time to move forward and take care of you and change doctors. Remember, it’s all about you.1.       When your treatment has adverse side effects and your condition is not improving.2.       When the doctor schedules frequent treatment appointments and you are not improving. 3.       When your doctor doesn’t like it when you ask questions.4.       When your doctor doesn’t listen to you.5.       If your doctor can’t explain your condition of illness to you in terms you understand.6.       When you ask about side effects from medications and treatment and he avoids your concerns.7.       If you feel concerned and bad when you leave the doctors office.8.       If you feel your doctor just doesn’t like you - or if you don’t like him or her. Is your acupuncturist on your health team?
At we understand that the patient and the doctor should be a team working together to obtain optimum health and vitality. If you’re currently unhappy, insecure and not getting results perhaps changing providers should be considered.At we understand the monetary investment with your past provider. By selecting us we’re please to extend to you a completely free initial consultation and evaluation. This is a $169 value completely FREE.Seek the opportunity of experiencing Dr. Alderman’s sincere compassion for helping others and experience the miracles that Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture and Dr. John Alderman can provide. Simply bring us your medical records and your comprehensive evaluation, review of medical records and report of findings is absolutely free.