What is Natural Medicine?
- What is a naturopath?
- In the state of Washington, naturopaths are primary care providers that are trained in all aspects of preventive and natural healthcare. Naturopathic medicine emphasizes disease prevention, encouragement of the body's own inherent healing abilities and treatment of the whole person. Naturopaths are trained to use a wide variety of modalities including conventional and alternative methods.
- What are some advantages of seeking healthcare from a naturopath?
- Naturopathic physicians are uniquely qualified to offer you the best of alternative medicine combined with conventional healthcare. Our expertise is in integrating traditional alternative medicine (such as vitamins, herbs and nutrition) with modern healthcare.
- Why do patients choose NaturoMedica?
- Our patients choose NaturoMedica for a variety of reasons, but among the most common are:
- Compassionate, competent, naturopathic healthcare.
We treat each and every patient like a treasured family member.
Highly individualized medical care
At NaturoMedica, patient visits are unhurried and your physician will take the time to really get to know you and understand your health concerns. Patients can expect to leave the clinic with a personalized plan for achieving optimal health.
- Team based approach to medical care.
NaturoMedica doctors use a collaborative approach to healthcare, utilizing each other's knowledge to provide the best possible care for patients.
- State-of-the-art technology.
Our eCare program gives patients the ability to register, make appointments, and request referrals and prescription refills online. Established patients also have access to secure email exchange with the clinic.
- Unique healthcare environment
NaturoMedica offers healthcare in a unique, spa-like environment. First-time patients are pleasantly surprised by amenities likes a beverage bar and an upscale retail space filled with natural products that our doctors have carefully selected.
- What is the difference between a naturopath and a homeopath or an herbalist?
- Naturopaths are licensed primary care physicians in the state of Washington, which is not true of homeopaths or herbalists. Homeopathy and herbal medicine are two modalities that naturopaths have been trained to utilize, along with other modalities.
- What kind of training do naturopaths (NDs) have?
- Naturopathic doctors have similar training to conventional health care practitioners such as dentists and medical doctors. Naturopathic doctors are required to successfully complete pre-medical studies at the university level before applying to an accredited naturopathic medical school. All of the doctors at NaturoMedica completed a 5 year post-graduate program. The post graduate training is similar to that of a medical doctor, including basic sciences and clinical courses, with an emphasis on traditional medical interventions. In addition to this training, naturopaths are extensively educated in the philosophy and implementation of safe and effective natural therapeutics.
Naturopathic physicians are trained in botanical medicine, vitamin/supplement therapy, homeopathy, pharmacology, nutrition, physical medicine, and lifestyle counseling. They also order laboratory tests and imaging studies as appropriate and refer patients to specialists when needed.
- Are naturopathic doctors licensed?
- All of the doctors at NaturoMedica have passed their professional board examinations and are licensed through the Washington State Department of Health.
- What can I expect at my first visit?
- A first office visit typically lasts for about 1 ½ hours. This allows you and your doctor sufficient time to get to know each other and to address each of your health concerns. At your first visit your doctor will take an extensive health history, do a physical exam and conduct relevant in-house lab testing. Outside lab work is ordered as needed. At the end of the visit, you will leave with an individualized treatment plan. Depending upon the scope of the therapy and the complexity of the case, treatment plans may be broken down into phases.
- What kinds of conditions do naturopathic doctors treat?
- Naturopaths are trained in all aspects of primary care, but conditions that are commonly treated include:
- Hormonal Imbalances/Menopause/PMS
- Allergic Conditions
- Fatigue
- Gastrointestinal Problems
- Migraines/Headaches
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease/High Blood Pressure/High Cholesterol
- Weight Management
- Anxiety/Depression
- ADD/ADHD
- Fibromyalgia
- Skin Conditions
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Arthritis and other Rheumatic Diseases
- What kinds of therapies do naturopathic doctors use?
- Our goal is to use therapies that are aimed at treating the underlying cause of disease rather than just the symptoms. Our doctors use methods such as botanical (herbal medicine), vitamins and nutritional supplements, physical medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, counseling, diet and lifestyle modification, and standard drug therapy.
- Are doctors at NaturoMedica willing to work with my medical doctor?
- Yes. Doctors at NaturoMedica are willing to work alongside your established physician or can provide the full range of primary care. At NaturoMedica, we strongly believe in finding the best medical care for each individual. We believe in assisting our patients in finding the best medical care services possible for their individual circumstance. For that reason, we maintain an extensive referral network and frequently collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
- Can my children be treated at NaturoMedica?
- Yes. We treat children of all ages from infants to teenagers. Common conditions that we see children for include asthma and allergies, autism, attention deficit disorder as well as other health concerns.
- Are the services at NaturoMedica covered under my insurance plan?
- NaturoMedica expects payment at the time of service and does not directly bill insurance companies. However, NaturoMedica will provide you with a complete super-bill with the necessary codes to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Private health insurance plans in Washington State are obligated to cover alternative care such as naturopathy, but the amount of the coverage varies by insurance plan. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover our services.
Our view is that insurance companies are first and foremost a business whose primary objective is to control costs. We believe that goal does not always translate into doing what is best for your health. We are committed to doing what is best for our patients.
NaturoMedica accepts Visa and MasterCard.
- Can naturopathic doctors prescribe medications?
- Yes. In the state of Washington, naturopathic doctors can prescribe a wide variety of medications. Generally speaking, naturopathic doctors try to minimize the use of pharmaceuticals and use the least invasive therapies possible, but prescriptions medications are used when warranted.
- Do you sell vitamins and supplements?
- Yes. We maintain a dispensary of medical grade supplements that have been carefully selected by our doctors. We find that our patients achieve better health results with high quality products, supported by research. We try to carry an inventory of the supplements that we prescribe most frequently.
- Will my insurance company cover the cost of supplements?
- The cost of supplements is generally not covered by insurance companies. However, there is no sales tax on supplements if they are prescribed by a physician. If you have a health savings account, it can be used to pay for your supplements.
- Is my health information safe if I send it electronically?
- NaturoMedica has partnered with an innovative company that provides state-of-the art connectivity software. This technology provides a platform for secure messaging that is compliant with patient privacy and confidentiality regulations. Through NaturoMedica eCare , patients communicate with the clinic knowing that their private information is safe and protected.
