Huntersville doctor accepts reprimand, keeps unorthodox work

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - A North Carolina osteopathic physician will be allowed to continue his alternative medical practice as long as he asks patients to sign a form acknowledging his practice is outside the mainstream.

The Charlotte Observer reported Wednesday that Dr. Rashid Buttar of Huntersville has been under the North Carolina Medical Board's scrutiny for a decade. Buttar agreed this week to accept a reprimand.

He denies allegations that he exploited patients by charging exorbitant fees for unproven therapies, and ordering expensive tests to make more money.

The newspaper says Buttar's practice attracts patients from 42 states and 37 countries. He successfully urged legislators to make state law friendlier to alternative medicine practitioners.

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