1. What happens if I miss an appointment?
2. What happens if I need a supplement?
3. What forms of payment do you accept?

1. What is the difference between a Medical Doctor and a Naturopathic Doctor?
2. What is a Naturopathic Doctor's training?
3. Are Naturopathic Doctors licensed?
4. Can Naturopathic Doctors treat chronic health conditions?
5. Will I be able to stop taking my medications?
6. Will you work with my Medical Doctor?
7. Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by my insurance?

2. What happens if I need a supplement?
If there is a product or prescription that you need please give 1-2 weeks' notice if you are running out and need more. What you need will generally be in stock. Calling ahead of time will ensure that you get what you need. Around the holidays it is always a good idea to back stock those items that you need to ensure you will not run out while the office is closed.

3. What forms of payment do you accept?
We prefer a check or cash, but we also accept debit cards (with the Visa/MasterCard logo) and Visa and MasterCard. Payment is expected at the time of service. Please contact the office if you are having issue with payment for any reason. We will do our best to work with you and your specific needs.

1. What is the difference between a Medical Doctor (MD) and a Naturopathic Doctor (ND)?
Both MDs and NDs are trained to prevent, diagnose and treat disease. The difference is that a Medical Doctor will diagnose and treat the symptoms using primarily pharmaceutical drugs and sometimes surgery. A Naturopathic Doctor will diagnose and treat the whole person, looking for the underlying cause of the symptoms, and then treating the person using a variety of natural therapies.

2. What is a Naturopathic Doctor's training?
A Naturopathic Doctor (ND) has a total of 8 years of training. After receiving a 4 year bachelor degree they attend a 4-year graduate-level medical school and are educated in conventional medical sciences including anatomy, physiology, microbiology, immunology, clinical and physical diagnosis, laboratory diagnosis, cardiology, gastroenterology, gynecology and pediatric care. In addition to the standard medical curriculum, they are required to complete training in clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine and counseling. Upon completion of medical school graduates must pass rigorous science and clinical board exams to be licensed by the state as a primary care doctor.

3. Are Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) licensed?
Yes. NDs are licensed primary care doctors in the State of California. Upon acquiring the degree of Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, NDs must pass rigorous national and state board examinations. NDs are also required to complete 60 continuing education hours for license renewal every two years.

4. Can Naturopathic Doctors treat chronic health conditions?
Absolutely. Often people find naturopathic medicine when traditional therapies have not worked. Naturopathic medicine provides different solutions that are sometimes the missing link in treating chronic conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease, gastric upset, hormone irregularities, allergies and autoimmune diseases to name a few.

5. Will I be able to stop taking my medications?
Patients often find the need for their prescription medications decrease as their health improves. We will coordinate with your prescribing doctor to decrease or discontinue your dose as necessary.

6. Will you work with my Medical Doctor?
Yes. Our goal is to restore you to optimal health. Working with your other providers is an important part of that.

7. Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by my insurance?
Many PPOs will reimburse depending on your plan. An HSA (health savings account) and Flex Spending are also payment options. They often cover consultations, labs and supplements. HMOs do not reimburse for naturopathic medicine. Most labs are covered by PPO plans. Unfortunately, this is not the case for HMOs. However, we are often able to work with HMO doctors to enable some lab coverage. We are a cash based practice and do not accept insurance, but are happy to give you a super bill with the appropriate codes for insurance reimbursement.