The sequence of determining the depth to a TCM diagnosis is never exact. Unlike our western medical colleagues, we keep an open mind in developing out diagnosis and treatment plans. I have noted this difference in other blogs. However, I will now further highlight how this “inexactness” manifests in my treating relationship with the patient. The initial intake is best example demonstrating the differing philosophy of both fields.

The TCM intake takes on much more significance in comparison to a typical western intake. Specifically, the TCM practitioner spends much more time in gathering “peripheral” patient information. Matters such as lifestyle choices, diet and exercise patterns are heavily emphasized in the TCM intake.

For instance, when a patient presents with pain, I will not isolate his complaint to just treating the physical ailment. I assess his pain in relation to his total wellbeing. I investigate much of this relationship in the intake, through inquiring about other aspects of his life that might be contributing to his pain.

Without getting overly technical, if the pain is not a result from an obvious incident, I will look to see if this pain is a reflection of a “deeper” ailment that the patient has been dealing with. Obviously, this ailment is not recognized consciously by the patient. I have seen instances where a patient is suffering from emotional issues that are impacting his physical health. Many times, I am the first clinician that discusses the impact that this emotional disturbance is having on his presenting ailment.

In the western healthcare system, this patient would probably be referred to a physical therapist to treat his pain. I’ve seen instances where the primary care physician does nothing more than focus his complete intake just on the pain. Essentially, the role of the western PCP is now nothing more than becoming a gatekeeper to referrer the patients out to specialists.

As The US healthcare system continues to evolve, the differences in approach to the initial intake, between a western and TCM practitioner, are becoming more apparent.