Abstract: Referrals of Plastic Surgery Patients to Integrative Medicine Centers: A Review of Resource Utility

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Integrative medicine (IM) centers are becoming increasingly more established nationwide and provide an expansive range of therapeutic services. With a high prevalence of IM usage among plastic surgery patients,1 we seek to define the rate of referrals to IM centers by plastic surgeons to define resource utility. METHODS: Institutions with plastic surgery residency programs and IM centers were identified. A survey questionnaire was sent to center directors to ascertain referral patterns. RESULTS: Out of a total of 96 institutions with plastic and reconstructive surgery programs in North America, 24(25%) have affiliated named IM centers, of which we attained a survey response from 13 (54.5%). 10 (76.9%) of these centers evaluate over 50 patients per week. Patient referrals were primarily from the Department of Medicine (73.8%) as opposed to Surgery (13.1%) (p<0.0001). An average of 0.77% of surgical referrals, or 0.077% of all referrals, arise from plastic and reconstructive surgery. CONCLUSION: IM centers surveyed are infrequently referred patients from plastic surgeons. Given the high prevalence of IM usage among our patient population, IM centers are an underutilized adjunct in the care of our patients. Further study into specific IM services that may benefit our patients would be helpful in increasing IM utilization in our field. Referral Citations: 1. Patel N, Pierson J, Lee T, et al. Utilization and Perception of Integrative Medicine Among Plastic Surgery Patients. Ann Plast Surg. Oct 17 2016.