For Referring Physicians/Health Professionals

Osher Center for Integrative Health is part of Northwestern Medical Group.  Our expert integrative physicians, trained in both conventional and complementary medicine, provide insurance-based consultative outpatient service, working in collaboration with referring physicians to develop appropriate therapeutic plans for patients.  Our highly-qualified team of providers provides acupuncture, massage, counseling, mind-body therapy, chiropractic, naturopathy, nutrition and supplement advice, and fitness/wellness education.  

Referral Process

Other than integrative physician consults with Dr. Ring, patients do not require a referral to schedule visits at the Osher Center for Integrative Health. Referrals can assist with communication to optimize collaboration around patient care, and are always appreciated. Referrals may be placed in EPIC (search Integrative Medicine, or find in Referrals- Downtown- Legacy NMPG) if you are part of the Northwestern Medicine electronic medical record. Otherwise referrals and any pertinent health information can be faxed to 312.926.6285.

When our office receives referrals, our staff will contact the patient to schedule a visit. Patients may also call and schedule an appointment themselves at 312.926.DOCS (3627) or request a visit through the MyNM Patient Portal, whichever is easiest. 
 
After consultation with the patient and a review of medical records we will send a report via EPIC or mail back to the patient's referring physician or healthcare provider. Our team is always available for follow-up discussions via phone if desired. Recommendations for the patient will be documented in the progress notes, as well as reviewed with the patient.

Common reasons for referrals include:

• Integrative physician consults for:
  • Management and oversight of dietary supplements
  • Education of patients on integrative and complementary approaches
  • Assessments for common conditions not fully treated through conventional medicine such as irritable bowel syndrome/GI issues; chronic pain; fibromyalgia; chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Management of bioidentical hormones for perimenopause/menopause
  • Addressing patient concerns about adrenal and thyroid health
  • Weight-management strategies
• Referrals directly to our team of providers for
  • Integrative primary care, acupuncture, massage/energy medicine, chiropractic, naturopathic, nutrition, counseling
• Referrals to fitness and wellness classes such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, Tai Chi

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FAQs:
Opportunities for you to learn more about integrative medicine for your own health, for your patients, or for research partnerships

• About integrative health
• Osher Center membership 
• Career opportunities ​
• Education opportunities
  • Internships
  • Medical students
  • Residents
  • Fellowship
  • Grand rounds ​
• Research program​

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​What Makes the Osher Center Unique?

• Consultation service with physicians fellowship-trained in integrative medicine
• All provided therapies are informed by scientific evidence to ensure safe and effective use of integrative/complementary medicine with conventional medicine care
• Partnership with the patient's primary and specialist physicians
• Many of our patients are physician-driven referrals
• Insurance accepted for physician consults and select other services 
• All visits are documented in the Northwestern Medicine shared electronic medical record for improved care coordination
• Easily available to patients by email or via the MyNM Patient Portal