An Evidence-Based Field of Cancer Care
How to Make an Appointment
Established patients at Fred Hutch are eligible for our services. Let your care team know you are interested in seeing a Fred Hutch Integrative Medicine provider or you may self-refer (if you are receiving your care at Fred Hutch) by contacting us directly. The scheduling team will provide instructions on your appointment location and how to check-in.
Phone: 206.606.5500
At Fred Hutch Cancer Center, we believe state-of-the-art care includes support for the healing of our patients in body, mind and spirit.
Integrative oncology is an evidence-based field of cancer care that utilizes mind-body practices, natural products and/or lifestyle modifications from different traditions alongside conventional cancer treatments. Our integrative medicine providers have expertise in mind-body medicine, acupuncture and naturopathic medicine.
In-Person Classes and Events Temporarily Canceled
For your safety, we have temporarily canceled all in-person classes and events. This includes transplant and nutrition classes, yoga, gong bath meditation, crafts, and other patient groups that meet at Fred Hutch and our housing facilities.
For updated information on COVID-19 as it relates to our clinics and community, please view our COVID-19 information page.
What to Expect
During your first appointment, your Integrative Medicine provider will take a thorough history about your health and lifestyle. Together, you will discuss your health and wellness goals and work with you to design an individualized plan to help you achieve them. Our providers collaborate closely with Fred Hutch providers from all supportive care services, including medical nutrition, physical therapy, psychology/psychiatry, social work and spiritual health, to improve quality of life during all stages of cancer care and survivorship. Our providers can refer to all services at Fred Hutch as needed for optimal support for you.
- Initial consultations are typically 60 minutes and follow-up visits are typically 30 minutes.
- Dietary supplement consultations typically require 2 visits.
- To learn a mind-body medicine technique, 1 to 4 visits are typically needed. Sessions can be audio recorded for home practice.
- Acupuncture is an evidence-based integrative medicine modality that can help improve well-being and reduce many side effects associated with conventional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
- Initial acupuncture treatment lasts 60 minutes with follow-up treatments taking approximately 45 minutes.
- A typical course of acupuncture includes weekly treatments for 8 to 10 weeks.
Acupuncture and Nursing Team
Jonathan Siman, DACM, MS, LAc
Susan Veleber, DACM, MS, LAc
Kathy Taromina, DACM, MS, LAc
Melissa Romeo, PhD, MAOM, LAc
Heidi Stecher, MN, RN, OCN
Patient and Caregiver Resources
Classes for Patients and Caregivers at Fred Hutch
Therapeutic yoga for cancer patients, caregivers and survivors
**Currently in-person yoga classes at Fred Hutch for patients and caregivers are not being offered due to COVID-19.
Please visit the Cancer Lifeline for more information on virtual yoga and exercise programs online.
Cancer Lifeline
Community Resources
Below are community resources for cancer patients and caregivers:
Insurance Reimbursement and Coverage
Our Integrative Medicine team works in collaboration with the Fred Hutch Patient Financial Services team to help you determine and understand your benefits. The amount of benefits or coverage for services provided by integrative medicine providers depends upon your medical insurance company and your specific plan.
If you have specific questions about your benefits, please contact our Integrative Medicine scheduling staff at 206.606.5500 or Fred Hutch Patient Financial Services at 206.606.6226.
Websites
We recommend these websites as resources to learn more about integrative oncology:
- National Cancer Institute PDQ (Physician Data Query) Cancer Information Summaries: Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies
- Society for Integrative Oncology
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Use of Integrative Therapies During Breast Cancer Treatment published by the Society for Integrative Oncology and Endorsed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology