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Getting Free Information From NCCAM

This page introduces you to free information you can get from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Before selecting one link, we recommend you first scroll through the whole page to see the variety of resources available.

The Purpose of NCCAM

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) Clearinghouse is an information service of the NCCAM - serving as the public's point of contact and access to information about the NCCAM's programs, conferences, and research activities.

In accordance with the NCCAM's congressional mandate "to establish a clearinghouse to exchange information with the public about alternative medicine," the NCCAM established a clearinghouse in the Fall of 1996, with the goal of serving as a site where complementary and alternative healthcare information is collected, developed, and disseminated to the public.

Focal Point for Information

As the focal point for information resulting from the NCCAM's programmatic and research activities, the Clearinghouse develops and disseminates fact sheets, information packages, and publications to enhance public understanding about complementary and alternative medicine research supported by the NIH. The NCCAM's public information is currently free of charge. However, due to printing and duplication costs, only a limited number of copies can be requested.

Access to the Clearinghouse

Located in Silver Spring, Maryland, the Clearinghouse responds to inquiries for information by telephone, TTY/TDY, fax, or mail:

Toll Free Telephone Number: 1-888-644-6226

TTY/TDY (hearing impaired): 1-888-644-6226 (same number)

The Clearinghouse's toll-free number is answered by trained Information Specialists from Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Information Specialists can answer inquiries in both English or Spanish. Information Specialists strive to assist as many callers as possible; however, due to the high call volume that they receive daily, there may be a slight delay in reaching an Information Specialist. In the event of a delay, callers have the option of continuing to hold or leaving their name and a call back telephone number where they can be reached.

After normal business hours, callers have the option of receiving fact sheets and other information via fax. The fax number for the Clearinghouse is: (301) 495-4957.

Persons who prefer to write to the Clearinghouse should direct their inquiries to:

NCCAM Clearinghouse

P.O. Box 8218

Silver Spring, Maryland 20907-8218

Written requests for routine information will be processed within two to three business days from receipt of the request.

List of Available Publications

The NCCAM General Information Package includes the following publications, which are also available online when you click on the title [you'll leave CancerOnline]:

General Information

Major Domains of Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Considering Complementary and Alternative Therapies?

Alternative Medicine Research Using MEDLINE

Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the NIH (Newsletter)

The NCCAM Clearinghouse publishes a quarterly newsletter which is available to the public through the NCCAM Clearinghouse or on NCCAM's website. Due to the limited number of copies produced, duplication is encouraged.

To obtain copies or to receive more information about the newsletter, please write, call, or fax your request to the Clearinghouse.

Customer Service Commitment

The NCCAM Clearinghouse staff strives to provide quality service to its customers, and encourages your feedback and suggestions. We value your feedback as an opportunity to focus ongoing attention to the quality improvement of our products and services, and look forward to assisting you.

Please address your concerns, in writing, to: s

NCCAM Clearinghouse Project Officer

31 Center Drive

Building 31, Room 5B-38

Bethesda, MD 20892-2182

NIH Resources

The National Institutes of Health is comprised of 25 separate Institutes, Centers, and Divisions (ICDs) that focus on specific conditions or areas of healthcare and research support. Each ICD has a public information office that can answer questions about conventional treatment methods, and NIH sponsored research on a specific condition.

For information about a wide range of diseases or medical conditions, consult the NIH Homepage for the relevant link to the NIH Institute, Center, or Division that can assist you further.

PLEASE NOTE: Clearinghouse Information Specialists are trained to assist callers, and provide other sources of information. However, because Information Specialists are not healthcare professionals, the information they provide cannot substitute for the medical expertise and advice that resides with your primary healthcare provider. Information Specialists do not provide medical advice to patients, nor provide referrals to alternative healthcare practitioners.

The NCCAM encourages all patients to consult their primary healthcare provider to discuss both the advantages and risks of complementary and alternative medical treatments.

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