Codes and Frequencies
Description
For sample adults in 2002 and 2012 who had seen a practitioner for chelation therapy during the past 12 months (CHEYR), and for sample children between the ages of 4 and 17 in 2012, CHEINSURE indicates whether any of the costs of using chelation therapy were covered by insurance.
Chelation therapy was one of many alternative health treatment modalities included in the Alternative Health Supplements.
Definitions
The 2002 Field Representative's Manual defines chelation therapy as:
a series of intravenous injections of a binding (chelating) agent, such as the amino acid EDTA, to remove toxic metals and wastes from the bloodstream. Following injection, the binding agent travels through the bloodstream attaching itself to toxic metals and wastes which are subsequently excreted through the patient's urine. Used initially for the treatment of lead poisoning, chelation therapy is being employed by a growing number of practitioners to treat and reverse the process of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
The 2012 Field Representative's Manual defines chelation therapy as:
a chemical process in which a substance is used to bind molecules, such as
metals or minerals, and hold them tightly so that they can be removed from a system, such as the body. In medicine, chelation has been scientifically proven to rid the body of excess or toxic metals. For example, a person who has lead poisoning may be given chelation therapy in order to bind and remove excess lead from the body before it can cause damage.
metals or minerals, and hold them tightly so that they can be removed from a system, such as the body. In medicine, chelation has been scientifically proven to rid the body of excess or toxic metals. For example, a person who has lead poisoning may be given chelation therapy in order to bind and remove excess lead from the body before it can cause damage.
Universe
- 2002: Sample adults age 18+ who have seen a practitioner for chelation therapy during the past 12 months.
- 2012: Sample adults age 18+ and sample children between the ages of 4 and 17 who have seen a practitioner for chelation therapy during the past 12 months .
Availability
- 2002, 2012
Weights
- 2002 : SAMPWEIGHT
- 2012 : SUPP4WT
