This afternoon in Phoenix, the nation’s first primary care facility to combine traditional and alternative methods of treatment will have its grand opening.

From Phoenix, KJZZ’s Steve Goldstein reports.

STEVE GOLDSTEIN: The Arizona Integrative Health Center is a non-profit affiliation among the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, District Medical Group and the U of A’s Center for Integrative Medicine, which was founded by Dr. Andrew Weil. Dr. Weil says an appointment with an integrative-based doctor is out of the ordinary.

ANDREW WEIL: Typically, we have a sixty to ninety minute initial visit to take a full lifestyle history, including a careful dietary history and inquiring about all aspects of lifestyle. Integrative physicians are not as likely to push drugs as the only or first line of treatment for common health conditions.

GOLDSTEIN: Dr. Weil says the Phoenix clinic will also provide a unique opportunity to conduct focused research on the treatment benefits and cost-effectiveness of integrative primary care.

WEIL: This is the first attempt to collect this kind of data. It’s what I think we’ll eventually be able to take to people who pay for health care to show them this approach saves money.

GOLDSTEIN: The Integrative Health Center is the first primary care facility in the U.S. to combine traditional and alternative medicines.