The following list is some of the questions you may have about naturopathic medicine:
What is naturopathic medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary health care – it is art, science, philosophy and practice of diagnosing, treating and preventing disease. The modalities used in naturopathic medicine have been and continue to be commonly practiced in Europe for several hundred years. These techniques integrate conventional, scientific, and empirical methodology, but with the emphasis on the ancient laws of nature. There are six principles of healing that reflect the foundation of naturopathic medical practice:
First do no harm
The healing power of nature
Treat the whole person
Identify and treat the cause
Doctor as teacher
Prevention is the best cure
What are the similarities and/or differences between naturopathic versus conventional medicine?
Naturopathic physicians are primary-care physicians in the state of Oregon. They are trained at an accredited four-year medical school in clinical, physical, and laboratory diagnosis, similar to that of a conventional physician.
The major difference between a naturopathic and a conventional physician is the philosophy and the practice of medicine. Rather than focusing on palliating and suppressing a set of symptoms, naturopathic physicians treat the root cause of these symptoms while supporting the natural healing process of the body. Naturopathic physicians take the time to listen and establish a long-term, caring relationship with every patient.
What types of conditions can a naturopathic physician treat?
Please refer to the Conditions section of our website, or contact our office to discuss any specific questions you have regarding your health.
What can I expect during an initial visit? How about subsequent visits?
An initial office visit with us will usually last up to one hour. The office visit consists of a complete health history and pertinent physical exams. We can expect that your journey towards health and wellness will occur in stages. So from the beginning we create a clear plan and vision of your health goals and how we will achieve them. It is important for us to maintain clear communication of your needs and goals. You will always have a very specific treatment plan, not only on the very first visit, but every visit with us.
As doctors, we encourage people to be empowered and active in their health process, as well as to ask questions, be curious and engaged. Our role as doctors is to be your educators, providing you the tools you need to take your well-being to the next level.
What type of laboratory testing is offered?
This will depend on your individual needs. If you have already had previous lab work done please bring a copy with you to your first visit with us. In addition to a set of basic blood work that you may or may not need, we might request tests that are more specific and provide other types of information. Some examples of these tests include food intolerance testing, a Gastro-Intestinal Health Panel, Adrenal Stress Index, and many others. These will be discussed in more detail during your visits with us.
What about insurance coverage?
We are in-network providers for a number of insurance companies. Even if we are not an in-network provider on your plan, you may still have coverage for naturopathic medicine. Insurance coverage can at times be confusing and complicated, please give our office a call and we will verify your benefits for you. Our office will bill your insurance company directly, provided that you have coverage for naturopathic medicine. If your insurance does not cover naturopathic medicine services, give our office a call to get more information about our rates on services for those who do not have insurance coverage.
What methods of payment are accepted?
Our office accepts cash, checks, Visa, and Mastercard. If you have any more questions concerning our payment policies, please contact our office directly.
We are committed to helping you make informed decisions about your healthcare, and we are here to serve you.
