Why are CAM therapies often not reported to physicians?

The reason why CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) therapies are often not reported to physicians is rooted in communication dynamics between patients and healthcare providers. Specifically, physicians may not consistently inquire about CAM usage during patient evaluations or consultations. This lack of inquiry can stem from various factors, including time constraints during appointments, a focus on conventional treatments, or a lack of awareness about the prevalence of CAM therapies among patients.

When physicians do not ask directly about CAM practices, patients may not volunteer this information, assuming it is unrelated to their conventional treatment plan or fearing potential judgement from their healthcare provider about their choices. Therefore, this dynamic creates a gap in the patient's medical history, which can affect treatment outcomes and the continuity of care.

The other options highlight potential reasons patients may not disclose this information; however, they do not directly address the impact of physician inquiry on patient reporting of CAM. For instance, while patients may forget or feel reluctant to discuss costs, these factors are less significant if the conversation is initiated by the physician. Similarly, beliefs of physicians regarding CAM may influence their approach, but if they don't ask about it, those beliefs remain unexamined and do not promote an open dialogue. Ultimately, the role of the physician in actively seeking information about CAM usage